Four double-page woodcuts & woodcuts in the text. 26 folding leaves. 8vo, orig. semi-stiff wrappers, new stitching. [Japan]: Preface dated 1832.

First edition, and very rare, of this well-illustrated work on Ryukyu, providing a history of the kingdom and introducing its geography, culture, folklore, and gods. The four double-page woodcuts depict Shuri, the king’s principal castle in Naha, the capital city of the Ryukyu kingdom; a map of the 36 islands of the Ryukyu archipelago, a map of Okinawa island, and images of women dancers in the pleasure quarter.

The text describes the archipelago’s chief geographical features, agricultural practices, natural... More