MATERIA MEDICA, JAPANESE.

Illustrated scroll on paper, with six well-executed paintings, each measuring 203 x 288 mm., of edible fish & herbs.

Scroll (263 x 2490 mm.), the six paintings mounted on scroll paper & framed with fine brown silk brocade, inside front endpaper with patterned white paper, outside covered with blue silk brocade, wooden core roller. [Japan]: late-Edo.

A handsomely illustrated scroll, with images and notes very much in the conventions of traditional Chinese medicine. The quality and accuracy of the paintings is very fine. Several of the images show the all-important pairings (kuiawase) of foods that, in combination, were good for health.

The first image depicts an unidentified fish with orange skin. The notes state that eating this fish causes no harm to the body, calms an upset stomach, increases appetite, reduces nausea, and greatly increases energy.

The second image shows a Japanese sea bass (suzuki), along with Japanese eggplants. We learn that eating this fish warms the body, helps to regulate the function of the digestive system, and fosters easy pregnancies. Consuming the eggplants improves the quality of the blood and aids in healing and detoxification of the intestine.

The following image depicts two fish, one of which we cannot identify. The second is a horse mackerel. Eating the large fish improves eyesight and regulates body fat. Consumption of the horse mackerel warms the body, assists in detoxification, and improves blood quality.

Image four depicts a mature and young river fish, ayu (sweetfish). Eating the ayu supports the functioning of the five organs and strengthens both muscles and bones. Two plants are also shown here: horsetail (tsukushi) and buckwheat (tade). Eating one or the other of these plants with the ayu will assist in digestion. This image is slightly soiled.

Our fifth image shows the kochi (a lean white fish) in two views. Eating this fish warms the body and aids in blood circulation for pregnant women.

The final image depicts a bamboo shoot of Chinese origin (hachiku). Consumption of the bamboo shoot cools a feverish body and is useful in treating eye diseases. Also shown is the sansho pepper, which helps in blood circulation and detoxification and relieves depression.

On the final image is a note stating (in trans.): “Copied by Ushioka.”

In fine condition, preserved in a modern wooden box.