[Kojitsu Sosho] Yosha zuko fuzu kojo kojitsu sosho/ Figures and studies of palanquins and cars

Tokyo: Yoshikawa Hanshichi, 1900

2 vols., 24pp.; 36pp., double page title, otherwise comprised of 29 brilliant double page woodblock illustrations and diagrams of traditional palanquins and carriages, some discolouration from old reinforcements at the fold of some plates (appear to be Japanese washi paper, but discoloured with acidic paste), accordion books, original boards, folio, a good set, complete in 2 volumes.

Part of Kojitsu Sosho, a series of Japanese books published in the Meiji period (1868-1912) that documented ancient customs and objects, edited by Shinto scholar Imaizumi Sadasuke. Sadasuke believed that Meiji period academics were excessively focused on Western thoughts and ideas, so wrote many books on Japanese traditional culture and customs to counteract this trend. He became director of the Institute of Japanese Classics Research, the central government organisation for the training of Shinto priests, in 1918. His series offered detailed, illustrated volumes on various subjects such as ceremonial clothing, textile patterns, samurai armour, etc.

The colour woodblock prints are brilliantly preserved.