Beizanshi (1 results)

First Edition. Four double-page woodcuts & woodcuts in the text. 26 folding leaves. 8vo, orig. semi-stiff wrappers, new stitching. [Japan]: Preface dated 1832. First edition, and very rare, of this well-illustrated work on Ryukyu, providing a history of the kingdom and introducing its geography, culture, folklore, and gods. The four double-page woodcuts depict Shuri, the king?s principal castle in Naha, the capital city of the Ryukyu kingdom; a map of the 36 islands of the Ryukyu archipelago, a map of Okinawa island, and images of women dancers in the pleasure quarter. The text describes the archipelago?s chief geographical features, agricultural practices, natural history, strange folk tales, the islands? special materia medica, the genealogical tree of the royal family, customs, clothing, tattooing practices, religion, music (including popular songs of the pleasure quarter with lyrics, which are explained), dances, a dictionary of the local language, ranks of the nobility, etc. This work introduces a number of remarkable creatures, including snake spirits and demons, exoticizing the southern islands. Very good copy. Minor marginal worming. The University of Hawaii cataloguing gives the title as Ry?ky? kitan ????.