Two Manuscript Books on the Japanese Art of War Dated 1686 and with superb colour illustrations
[Japan] Titled, 'Gunrei Unno parts 1-2)' and 'Gunrei Maki' (Parts 1-3), this matching pair of manuscript books (orihon) appear to be a commentary on the ‘Kunnetsushu’, a book on the art of war that was popular from the 16th to the 19th century in Japan. Kunnetsushu was established in the middle of the 16th century, but as it contained many divinatory elements, it is said to have been established by adding studies on military equipment to an ancient book on the art of war. The books also contain many elements of the ancient Chinese divination philosophy of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements. Not much seems to be known about the author, Iwamura Shigehisa (Ikyu), but from some of the books he left behind, it is believed he was a military strategist in the early Edo period and a researcher of Kunnetsushu. Interestingly, both books may have originally been scrolls that were converted into folding book form for some reason. Both with decorative silk covers and title slips.
No place. Iwamura Shigehisa. 1686.
Total approx. 200pp. Each 17.3 x 18cm.
In very good condition. Minor age wear and a few marks only. m37051862
