This authentic Edo-period Japanese woodblock-printed book is Volume 5 of the Third Series of Ehon Nankōki (絵本楠公記 三編 巻五), a celebrated illustrated historical chronicle devoted to the life, battles, and moral legacy of the legendary samurai Kusunoki Masashige (楠木正成).
Originally published as a multi-series, multi-volume work, Ehon Nankōki was one of the most influential warrior chronicles of the Edo period. It combines dramatic narrative prose with finely executed woodblock illustrations, presenting episodes from medieval Japanese history through the lens of loyalty, sacrifice, and imperial devotion.
Narrative episodes related to Kusunoki Masashige’s final campaigns
Text printed in classical Japanese, vertically arranged
Decorative floral borders framing title and text sections
Traditional black-ink woodblock printing on handmade washi paper
This volume represents the Volume 5, making it particularly desirable to collectors seeking to complete incomplete sets.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Kusunoki Masashige is revered in Japanese history as the ultimate symbol of 忠義 (chūgi – loyalty). During the late Edo period, stories of his unwavering devotion to the emperor were widely circulated to reinforce moral values and political ideals. Illustrated books like Ehon Nankōki served both as entertainment and ethical instruction.
DETAILS
Printing: Original Edo-period woodblock print
Binding: Traditional Japanese side-stitched binding
