Japanese Fairy Tale Series No. 11: The Hare of Inaba (Inaba no Shiro Usagi 因幡の白兎)

Item #90926

Japanese Fairy Tale Series No. 11: The Hare of Inaba (Inaba no Shiro Usagi 因幡の白兎).

Mrs. T. H. James, translator.

Hasegawa Takejirō 長谷川武次郎, publisher for Kobunsha.

Tokyo.

Meiji 19 [1886] .

14.8 x 9.6cm small crepe paper book, opens Western style. Perfect-bound with holes for sewing. 8 cho, including story ending on inside rear wrapper, with decorated wrappers. Illustrated with original woodblock prints, including lovely single and double page woodcuts, and told in English text. The colophon lists the Saegicho address 南佐柄木町 for Hasegawa Takejirō 長谷川武次郎.

Inaba no Shiro Usagi 因幡の白兎 is the tale of a clever rabbit who tries to outwit crocodiles in the sea but is too proud for his own good and ends up in great pain, losing his fur. A lowly young prince comes to his aid and is duly rewarded.

Wear to wrapper, initial pages and woodcuts. Spots of toning on early pages and chipping at binding. “HY” handwritten on the first page. Otherwise strong colors and printing.

Price: $150.00