Lot 575
575
JAPAN -- MINETA, F. Kawai Shinwa. (Edo, 1849). 5 vols. c. 125 pp. W. many b&w woodblock illustr., some w. red details, by Utagawa Sadahide. Or. stab binding w. 1 cord, limp boards, printed on rice paper. (Wear to extremities, red label inside cover of vol. 1, some of the red details offset).
Publication on the first Opium War between Britain and China (1839-42). The author was sympathetic to the Chinese cause and based his books mostly on Chinese written accounts. This book gives a view on how the Japanese saw and interpreted Western Imperialism, a few years before they where forced to deal with it themselves. Both author and illustrator where imprisoned for publishing this book. - Rare in complete state.€ 500
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