The Collection of Registered Trade Marks and Articles by Koshiro Ryota
[Japan] Fascinating, woodblock printed work containing descriptions in English, Japanese, and Chinese of various brands and manufacturers of a range of products including saké, medicine, soap, tooth powder, matches, soy sauce, saws, confectionery, silk embroidery and cotton cloth. Although titled 'No.1', it appears no further volumes were published. The Japan Weekly Mail of Dec. 22, 1888 (p583-4) contains an interesting article on this publication. It begins, 'We have received from Mr. Koshiro Ryota, of Osaka, a copy of a work entitled, "The Collection of Registered Trade-marks and Articles." This title is somewhat puzzling.' And then, '...the proverbial dash of that busy city is well evidenced by Mr. Koshiro Ryota himself, for assuredly a gentleman must be inspired by no mean spirit of courageous enterprise who, while capable of perpetrating a preface like the following, could nevertheless undertake to publish a whole book in English.' Then, '....It must not be supposed, however, that this preface is typical. On the contrary, the text of the work is in creditable and thorougly intellible English, though somewhat disfigured by printer's errors.' And ends with, 'We sincerely compliment Mr. Koshiro Ryota on his useful enterprise and strongly recommend our readers to lose no time in completing their libraries by purchasing a copy of the Sembai Tokkyo-ken.The description for soap manufacturer, Tsutsumi Isoemon of Yokohama, contains an interesting reference in Japanese to French engineer, chemist, and photographer Léon Boelle, who Tsutsumi mentions as having recommended soapmaking as a good business. The preface also mentions the title in English as, 'The collection of the registered trademarks and newly invented articles', and that they are, 'pimted their [printed there] by a block of boxwood...'. A very scarce book.
pp.[16], 121[7]. 17.2 x 22.6cm.
In very good condition. Edges marbled. Binding has been professionally repaired. Some wear and marks near binding inside front and rear boards. Internally very good and paper is still nice and supple. In modern folding chitsu case. b33121097
