21; 15, 2 folding leaves. Two vols. 8vo (245 x 180 mm.), orig. silk-covered semi-stiff wrappers, orig. manuscript silk title labels on upper covers, new stitching. [Japan]: (in trans.): “Secret information copied mid-December 1799 by Mori [first name unclear] from the original manuscript of Hiramatsu Jitokusai, who belonged to Kurakojō Castle in Bitchū Province.”

This handsome technical manuscript is concerned with the construction of fireworks used to mark important events in Japan. It is uncertain when fireworks (hanabi 花火, “fire flower”) came to Japan: it seems most likely that Chinese traders introduced them in the 15th century. However... More