Log of a Japanese Journey from the Province of Tosa to the Capital by Tsurayuki with illustrations by Toshio Aoki
[Japan] Tosa Nikki was written anonymously in the 10th century by Ki no Tsurayuki. This is a very scarce first edition of the first English translation of Tosa Nikki [Tosa Diary] by Flora Best Harris (1850-1909). Harris was the wife of Methodist Episcopal Bishop Merriman Colbert Harris (1846-1921), who first came to Japan in 1873, the year of his marriage to Flora. The illustrations were done by Toshio Aoki (1854-1912), a Japanese artist based in California, who also used the name Hyosai Aoki. He adopted Tsuru Aoki (1892-1961) as a child. Tsuru had come to California in 1899 with her uncle, Otojiro Kawakami, along with his geisha wife, Kawakami Sadayakko, and Otojiro's troupe of actors. Apparently the troupe later had financial problems so Otojiro arranged for Tsuru's adoption by Toshio. She would go on to become a well-known actress and ended up marrying Sessue [Sesshu] Hayakawa (1888-1973) in 1914. According to one source, Tsuru had met Flora Best Harris and her husband on board a ship sailing between Japan and the US. Bound in yellow leather and marbled boards. Another edition wasn't published until 1910. Scarce.
Meadville, PA [USA], Flood and Vincent. 1891.
[8],58pp+12 photogravures,[2]. 17.2 x 13.1cm.
In very good condition. Front cover with dark mark at top right. First marbled page detached but present. Otherwise internally fine. b32110760
