Item Description This is volume 39 (upper and lower books) of *Yamato Bunko* (full title: *Shaka Hassō Yamato Bunko*). It is an illustrated gōkan (popular fiction) from the Edo period, with illustrations by Utagawa Kunisada (also signed as Toyokuni III) and text by Mантэй Ōga. This series was published by Jōshūya Jūzō of Edo from Kōka 2 (1845) to Bunkyū 2 (1862). This volume was newly carved in the spring of Tsuchinoe-Uma, and the preface bears the date of Ansei 5 (1858). The title label bears the names of the author Mantei Ōga and the illustrator Utagawa Kunisada, along with the publisher's imprint on Ningyōchō-dōri, Edo. The frontispiece double-page spread is printed in color, depicting a woman holding a hand mirror and a craftsman approaching a large temple bell, with the series title displayed within a札 (fuda)-shaped frame. The main text consists of cursive hiragana-based writing interspersed with woodblock illustrations printed in black ink, including lively scenes featuring demons and animals. The cover is color-printed and bears Toyokuni's signature and seal. The binding is Japanese-style (fukuro-toji) sewn with red thread, and the back cover is wrapped in red lattice-patterned paper. Artist Profile Utagawa Kunisada (1786–January 12, 1865), also known as Toyokuni III, was one of the most popular, prolific, and commercially successful ukiyo-e artists of 19th-century Japan. Born in Honjo, near Edo, he joined the Utagawa school at around the age of 14 and studied under Toyokuni I. He published his first illustrated book in 1807 and gained sudden fame with his actor prints in 1808. He worked across a wide range of subjects, including kabuki, bijinga (beautiful women), historical paintings, and shunga, and is said to have produced more than 20,000 works over his lifetime. In 1844 he succeeded to his master's name and became Toyokuni III, which is why works from this period bear both the names Kunisada and Toyokuni. Dimensions Height: 17.8 cm Width: 11.5 cm Weight 26 g Condition There is age-related wear throughout, with foxing, staining, soiling, and worm damage visible on the cover and text pages. No missing pages. Additional Information Series: Shaka Hassō Yamato Bunko (Yamato Bunko), Volume 39, Upper and Lower Books Author: Mantei Ōga Illustrator: Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) Publisher: Jōshūya Jūzō, Ningyōchō-dōri, Edo Date: Ansei 5 (1858) Country: Japan Material/Format: Woodblock print on Japanese paper, Japanese-bound book The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation. Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL. Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea. Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment. Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.