Yokomoji Shiiri Dodoitsu - Poems in Japanese and Romaji Scarce book of late Edo era poetry
[Japan] Very interesting work of dodoitsu poetry, a form of Japanese poetry that developed towards the end of the Edo period. Often concerning love or work, and usually comical, the poems consist of four lines with the moraic structure 7-7-7-5 and no rhyme for a total of 26 morae, making it one of the longer Japanese forms. The form, tone and structure of dodoitsu derive from Japanese folk song traditions. This particular work is unusual in that the syllables are also written in romaji. Only a couple of copies at Japanese institutions. Illustrations by Utagawa Yoshiharu. Dated 1868 by hand inside front cover.
No publisher [Yamaguchiya Tōbei]. No date (c1868).
15 leaves. 17.7 x 11.6cm.
In good condition. Original title slip present. Covers with age wear and some marks. Rear cover with previous owner's name written in Japanese. Inside rear cover with scribble that has been completely covered. A couple of ownership stamps. b36051628
