KŌJIMA, Sōi 幸島宗意.

Wahan shojakukō 倭板書籍考 [Bibliography of Japanese Printed Books].

1702. 39, 26, 28, 24, 26 folding leaves. Ten parts in five vols. 8vo, orig. wrappers (wrappers a little marked), orig. block-printed title slips on upper covers (several defective), new stitching. [Kyoto]: Kimura Ichirobē 木村市郎兵衛, 1702.

First edition of this rare and comprehensive bibliography of early Japanese printed books; it is considered to be one of the best early works on the subject. It is divided into the following subjects: religious texts, Confucianism, military strategy, history, medicine, Chinese philosophy, poetry, waka (Japanese poetry), Japanese language, and calligraphy. About 1000 titles are well-described (title, number of parts/volumes, contents, and, occasionally, dates).

From the library of Kanda Kyōgen 神田香厳 and his son Kiichiro 神田 喜一郎 (1897-1984), members of the wealthy and intellectual Kyoto banking family. With the Kanda family seal.

Fine set, preserved in a chitsu. Occasional minor worming.

Price: $5,500.00

Item ID: 10753