32 fine full-page illus., painted in rich colors, in the text. 16 folding leaves. 8vo (265 x 188 mm.), orig. gray patterned wrappers (some worming, touching images, well-mended). [Japan]: 1852.

There are nearly 900 Imperial tombs in 457 locations in Japan, ranging from simple burial mounds to cemeteries to small temples. This manuscript contains a selection of 32 Imperial burial sites, most located in Kyoto, starting with the 38th emperor, Tenji (r. 668-71), and concluding with the 102nd emperor, Go hanazono (r. 1428-64).

Each of the sites, with surrounding grounds and plantings, is beautifully depicted in rich watercolors. The sites range from mounds, planted with just a few... More