Meigarasu Sumie no Uchiake (明鴉墨画廼裲襠) – Complete Set of Vol. 9 (Upper & Lower), Edo-period Illustrated Book, 1867 Description: This is an exceptionally rare Edo-period illustrated book, “Meigarasu Sumie no Uchiake (明鴉墨画廼裲襠)”, Volume 9 complete in two parts (Upper & Lower), published by Tsutaya Kichizō. The work is a collaboration between Santei Haruma and Ryūtei Tanehiko, two prominent literary figures of the late Edo period, with illustrations by the celebrated ukiyo-e master Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III). It was published in Keiō 3 (1867), during the final years of the Edo period, making it a valuable cultural artifact from a pivotal moment in Japanese history. Kunisada’s refined line work and expressive figures vividly capture the theatrical and narrative qualities of late Edo popular literature. The illustrations retain strong visual presence and demonstrate the high level of woodblock printing craftsmanship of the time. Details: Title: Meigarasu Sumie no Uchiake (明鴉墨画廼裲襠) Volume: 9 (Upper & Lower volumes, complete set) Authors: Santei Haruma & Ryūtei Tanehiko Illustrator: Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) Publisher: Tsutaya Kichizō Year: Keiō 3 (1867) Size: Approx. 17.6 × 11.7 cm Condition: This book is approximately 159 years old. As expected for an original Edo-period publication, it shows clear signs of age and use, including waviness, surface wear, rubbing, insect damage (wormholes), and small tears. No major restoration has been carried out. Please bid only if you fully understand and accept the condition typical of authentic Edo-period Japanese books.