Ōu Gunki 奥羽軍記
1662. Item #89417
Ōu Gunki 奥羽軍記
Hayashi Izumi no Jō 林和泉掾, publisher
[Kyoto], Imadegawa
Kanbun 2 [1662]
Military ehon, 4 volumes in 2. Two volumes 27.6 x 18.1 cm, string-bound Japanese-style, fukuro-toji with original title labels. Geometrically patterned green paper covers. Quite a nice version of this interesting "gunki" 軍記 military tale of the late Heian period in the late 11th century, recording bloody battles in the far north east. The “Ōu 奥羽” of the title refers to the two former provinces of Mutsu むつ and Dewa 出羽, located in the Tōhoku 東北 area of Japan where the battles took place.
With 18 full page b+w illustrations by a very capable unknown artist. The early Edo period of the 17th century, following the centuries of civil war which preceded it, was a time of peace, but one obsessed with war and tales of courage.
Housed in a modern 27.7 x 18.6cm purple clasped chitsu case. Cover sizing has been abraded in places. Interior pages and printing are in good condition overall.
Price: $2,850.00