YOSHIMURA, Hensen?

Manuscript on paper, entitled on upper wrapper: “Ninjin setsu” [“Theories of Ginseng”].

Seven folding leaves. 8vo (248 x 174 mm.), orig. wrappers, stitched as issued. [Japan]: date given on final page “1768“; this is a later copy, probably late Edo or early Meiji.

We are uncertain how to read the first name of Yoshimura, but “Hensen” is our best guess. Yoshimura lived in the Satsuma region. This manuscript is concerned with different theories of ginseng as a medicinal herb. The author discusses the writings of Zhang Zhongjing (active 168-96 CE), whose Shanghan lun [Treatise on Cold Damage] lists 21 multi-herbal decoctions containing ginseng, and Li Dongyuan (1180-1251), whose therapies were widely adapted and established in Japan.

Fine copy. Minor worming.

Price: $1,650.00

Item ID: 9228