~~ Book Published by A. Akiyama ~~
Ceremonial Japan
Akiyama, A. (Publisher)
"Miss Dolly Belle":
Ceremonial Japan by Miss Dolly Belle, Tokyo, A. Akiyama, Meiji 29 (1896).3.23, large 8vo (9 3/4 x 7 1/4 in - 24.5 x 18 cm), unpaginated, folded crepe pages, 9 folded pages (including front and back cover), 10 full page color woodblocks (includes covers), string tied, 18 pages total. This book describes and depicts the "captivating arts essential to the education of young women" (including ikebana, bonsai and the tea ceremony) in Japan. On the left of each page is a text page with subdued color woodblock illustrations. To the right of the text page is a color woodblock depicting the ceremonial activity discussed. The book details the following ceremonial activities of Japanese women:
- Flower Arranging (Ike-bana)
- Miniature Gardens (Bon-seki)
- The Tea Ceremonial (Cha-no-yu)
- Poem Composing (Uta-no-kwai)
- Musical Conversazione (Ongaku-kwai)
- Needle Work (Hari-Shigoto)
The color woodblocks in this book are bright and employ a broad range of colors. These books are similar in nature to the T. Hasegawa crepe paper woodblock books (Japanese Fairy Tales etc) that were being produced at the same time. This is one of a series of four such color woodblock books produced by A. Akiyama at this time. The other three are listed on the inside of the back cover.
All Internal Pages
Colophon page
Advertising page
Colophon Close-up (opposite inside back cover)
Printed and Distributed: Meiji 29 (1896).3.23
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