Otsu-e Bushi – Rare “Shozui-bon” (Pocket-sized Edo-period Book), 2 Volumes Author/Artist: Unknown Size: approx. 17.5 × 8 cm Pages: 19 leaves Period: Late Edo period – around the mid-19th century (Kaei era, 1848–1853) This set consists of two rare “Shozui-bon”, miniature horizontal-format books featuring Otsu-e Bushi, an illustrated folk song tradition. The term Shozui-bon refers to “pocket-sized books” from the Edo period. At a time when Japanese people wore kimono daily, books small enough to fit inside a kimono sleeve (sode) were called Shozui-bon. They served as portable reading material—much like today’s paperback or mini-sized books. This charming format adds both cultural and historical value to the item. Otsu-e Bushi began to be sung in the An’ei–Tenmei era (1772–1788), grew in popularity through the Bunka–Bunsei period, and reached great popularity during the Kaei era (1848–1853), continuing into the late Edo and Meiji periods. This book is believed to have been produced during this flourishing period. The interior features lively, multi-colored woodblock prints of demons, performers, musicians, and familiar Otsu-e characters such as Fukurokuju—all rendered in a humorous, spirited folk-art style. About Otsu-e Bushi Otsu-e Bushi is a short, entertaining folk song accompanied by the shamisen. It spread nationwide from the late Edo period through the Meiji era and became extremely popular, often performed as light entertainment at banquets or during yose (vaudeville) performances. Modern research classifies Otsu-e Bushi as one of the zokkyoku (popular songs), together with forms such as dodoitsu, tocchirichin, ni-agari shinuchi, sanosá, kappore, and Yakkosan. The name “Otsu-e Bushi” originates from the folk pictures known as Otsu-e, which were originally sold as “Oiwake-e” around Oiwake and Ōtani in Otsu, Ōmi Province. These paintings became widely known because travelers on the Tōkaidō purchased them as souvenirs. It is believed that the term Otsu-e Bushi arose when the courtesans of the pleasure quarter in Shibayachō, Otsu, began singing humorous songs based on the themes of Otsu-e around the end of the Genroku era (around 1700). By weaving the motifs of these popular folk paintings into song, the performers created a lively and memorable musical form that would eventually spread across Japan. Condition: An aged antique with wormholes on the cover, general wear, stains, corner losses, and soiling from long-term storage. Nevertheless, for a delicate miniature book of this type, the internal pages remain comparatively well-preserved. Please review the photos carefully. Miniature Otsu-e books rarely appear even in Japanese markets. This is a highly collectible and scarce Edo-period artifact, ideal for collectors of folk art, Japanese woodblock printing, and Edo cultural history. ※Currently, we are unable to ship items to the United States. Thank you for your understanding. ※Due to the strike by Canada Post, we are currently unable to ship items to Canada. The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped only by Japan Post. It usually takes about 2-4 weeks for delivery, depending on the destination and customs procedures. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes customs or the delivery company in your country may contact you by phone or email for clearance. Please make sure you can respond promptly. If you do not respond and the parcel is returned, reshipping will incur double shipping costs. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.