Swan and Edgar London, Japanese folding book advertisement printed on rear of small orihon
[Japan] Fascinating, little, woodblock printed orihon (Japanese accordion-style folding book) that was published in 1881 according to the colophon but was presumably purchased by the famous British department store, Swan & Edgar in London (Regent Street W. and Piccadilly W.) and then been turned into an advertising booklet for them. The untitled Japanese book contains illustrations of famous Japanese personages such as Taira Shigemori. Whether the Swan & Edgar side of the book was printed in Japan or England is unclear, but presumably it was done in Japan as requested by the store. A very nice and undoubtedly scarce piece of Japonisme from the late 19th century.
Asakusa [Tokyo]: Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1881.
16 illustrations with each leaf printed on reverse in English. 8.1 x 5.6cm.
In very good condition. Minor age wear. A few folds starting to separate. nb38090010
