Onnakunjyōhōki 女訓重宝記

Item #90464

Onnakunjyōhōki 女訓重宝記 early 1700s? Osaka. Publ by Morita Shōtarō 毛利田庄太朗　 2 vols in one, string bound in fukuro toji 26 x 18cm with modern brushed title slip and housed in a modern chitsu with clasps 26 x 19cm. 7cm margin at the top throughout. 44 cho with black and white original woodblock prints, two hand-colored, and Japanese text. Recent title slip in Japanese text laid in.
Onnakunjyōhōki 女訓重宝記 is a type of Jyoshiyō Ōraimono 女子用往来物, or instruction manual for women. It is an early- to mid-18th century etiquette book in which vol 1 depicts women in detailed kimono and hairstyles of the period, while vol 2 includes more extensive text and focuses on women working in the household. Household work shown includes serving tea and hand washing laundry, but also extends to the arts. One chapter, for example, is entitled Someruhiden そめるひでん, Secrets of Dyeing, and a woodcut shows women with lengths of fabric and tools used in the art of dyeing.

Although the date given by the previous owner is Tenma period 天和 1681-84, the hairstyles of women appear to be from the Genroku period (c.1690) and the sophistication of the woodcuts lends itself to a later period.

It is possible that Nishikawa Sukenobu 西川 祐信 (1671 – 1750), a well-known mid-18th century Kyoto artist, or a follower, had a hand in this sophisticated work. Sukenobo portrayed women from all walks of life, and his work was greatly appreciated during his time. The connection between Morita Shoutarou and Nishikawa has been established, as the publisher put out at least five different books by the artist. In addition, Morita Shoutarou was involved in publishing ōraimono; Yometori 嫁​取​, for example, was a tract for a new wife entering a household and was published in 1697.

No record of Onnakunjyōhōki in KSSM, NDL or in any university or fine art holdings that we can find.

Staining, wear to wrappers, slight worming, some damage to prints. The prints are good for this type of book, better quality than most, as they were circulated like paperback books.

Price: $1,750.00