This antique Japanese illustrated book, 賽乞小鑑 (Saiki Shōkan), is a Meiji-era reprint of a popular Edo-period storytelling volume.
Reissued in Meiji 34 (1901) and originally printed in Meiji 29 (1896), the work preserves the lively woodblock-style illustrations, traditional layout, and narrative humor that characterized entertainment literature of the late Edo and early Meiji periods.
The book showcases scenes of everyday Japanese life: gatherings, performances, games, folklore characters, and humorous social interactions. These images reflect the vibrant culture of the time before modern printing and photography transformed Japanese publishing.
Contents
Inside the book you will find:
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Detailed black-and-white illustrations of traditional Japanese scenes
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Humorous storytelling and dialogue, written vertically in classical Japanese
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Folklore-inspired characters and theatrical imagery
- Scenes of celebrations, travel, entertainment, and daily life
- Edo-style narrative formats combining text and images on the same page
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Publisher’s colophon with Meiji-era printing details
- The style resembles kusazōshi and ukiyo-e booklets, offering a glimpse into the visual storytelling traditions of pre-modern Japan.
Historical Significance
Books like Saiki Shōkan were affordable illustrated entertainment in the Edo and Meiji periods.
They were created for ordinary readers who enjoyed humorous tales, social satire, and richly illustrated scenes.
This preserved reprint shows how Japanese publishers continued the woodblock aesthetic even as modern printing technology was emerging.
The book is an important example of:
- Japanese popular culture
- Meiji publishing history
- Traditional woodblock-style illustration
- Japanese storytelling heritage
Rarity
This volume is increasingly rare, especially in complete condition with illustrations preserved.
Meiji editions with intact covers and minimal wormholes are highly sought after by collectors of:
- Japanese antique books (和本)
- Ukiyo-e and Edo illustration
- Meiji period print culture
- Folklore and narrative art
This copy remains a valuable collectible for museums, researchers, and private collections.
