Bunbuku Chacama Previously unknown work
[Japan] From an obscure series of woodblock printed, Japanese fairy tales on plain paper distributed (and published?) by Mawe & Co. which had offices in Yokohama and London. Bunbuku Chacama [Chagama] or 'The Lucky Tea Kettle' [Hasegawa's edition translates it as 'The Wonderful Tea Kettle']. The illustrations are by Inoue Yasuji (1864-1889) who was Kobayashi Kiyochika's star pupil, but died of beriberi at 25 years old. Translated by Alfred John (or John Alfred?) but we have been unable to find anything out about him.
Yokohama/London. Mawe & Co. ND (c1888).
9 leaves. 18.4 x 12.1cm.
In fair condition. Covers worn, corners a bit rounded, and some pages separated at edge. Old scribble on rear cover. Internally good with some general age wear. b36111742
