Tōkei Utamakura Manpuku Tenkarafuru by anti-Westernisation author, Mantei Ōga
[Japan] Interesting, unusual work with woodblock printed covers and text printed using movable type. Mantei Ōga (1818-1890) was a staunch opponent of Westernisation and the idea that all things from the West were the best. He wrote a number of works criticising such ideas including those of Fukuzawa Yukichi and others. The title 'Manpuku Ten Karafuru' is a play on words meaning to 'Happily Fall from Heaven' or 'Happy Colourful Heaven' ('karafuru' sounding like 'colourful' in English). The illustrations are by well-known artist, Ogata Gekkō (1859-1920). The colophons lists the editor as Hattori Ōga (Hattori was Mantei Ōga's real family name). Scarce and it appears only one copy at Tokyo University in Japan.
Tokyo. Kinshōdō. 1886.
14 leaves. 17.5 x 11.7cm.
In very good condition. Minor age wear and corner tips a bit worn. b35121530
