WOODBLOCK, Japanese.

A sturdy illustrated woodblock (160 x 585 x 17 mm.) used to print leaves 1-4 of Tesō [Palm Reading], an Edo-period work on chiromancy.

[Japan: late-Edo].

Nice example of a Japanese printing woodblock from the Edo period, useful for teaching collections on the global history of the printed book. This block bears nine carved images of hands depicting the major lines used in palmistry. The text appears to be a rare one, we find no trace of it in WorldCat. We have deduced the title from the two central hashira (pillar), which may be a shortened version of the work’s full title.

In fine condition, a little inky.

Price: $750.00

Item ID: 10784