Ko yoroi odoshige

Ise, Sadatake [original author], Akitsugu, Minamoto [copy, afterword]

Published by Meiwa 4 (1767) [originally written], Anei 6 (1777) [made]., 1777

About this Item

A magnificent 18th century manuscript with a depiction of sode, or samurai shoulder armour. Sode is the most vivid and unique part of samurai armour. It was beautifully coloured and decorated with a mon, a family crest denoting the clan or name of the warrior. These 17 elaborate, polychrome handmade images depict ancient sode armour starting from the 12th century, including one that belonged to the legendary warrior Minamoto Yoshitsune. The original author Ise Sadatake (1718-1784), a samurai by birth, made this book with help of Arai Hakuseki (1657-1725), a prominent scholar of the Tokugawa Ienobu court who did research and found all the real historical armor for the Ise s book. Not listed in OCLC. Only the National Diet library has a copy. Ex-owner stamps belong to Nakano Yasuaki (1874-1947), a famous Japanese book collector. Original oblong Japanese style accordion album with original title slip. Paper wrapper. Two ex-owner stamps at the first page. Occasional browning on the contents. Otherwise near fine to fine condition. 33.8 x 25.8 m. 23 leaves. Text in Japanese. Comes with a contemporary custom made slip case. Seller Inventory # 1212

Bibliographic Details

Title: Ko yoroi odoshige

Publisher: Meiwa 4 (1767) [originally written], Anei 6 (1777) [made].

Publication Date: 1777

Binding: Soft cover

Condition: Near Fine