Illustrated manuscript on paper. One four-page & 15 double-page paintings in rich colors and two pen & brush illus. on one page. 25 folding leaves. 8vo (241 x 166 mm.), orig. semi-stiff wrappers, manuscript title-slip on upper cover, new stitching. [Japan]: 1750.

Our Kuruma no zu manuscript is richly illustrated with splendid depictions capturing the ceremonial ox-drawn carriages (gissha 牛車) used by the Japanese imperial court and aristocracy from the Heian through the Muromachi periods (794–1573). Our manuscript reflects the intellectual movement of yūsoku kojitsu 有職故実, which emerged in the 18th century as part of an effort by the ruling... More