An authentic Meiji-era woodblock-printed edition of Nansō Satomi Hakkenden (南總里見八犬傳), Japan’s legendary samurai epic by Kyokutei Bakin (曲亭馬琴).
This Volume 9 (九) continues the heroic adventures of the eight dog-born warriors, exploring themes of loyalty, virtue, and destiny through a masterful blend of prose and dramatic woodblock illustrations.
The book was produced during the late Meiji period (circa 1880s–1890s) and preserves the traditional Edo storytelling format that captivated readers across generations.
Printed in vertical classical Japanese on delicate washi paper, it features rich black ink impressions and expressive ukiyo-e style illustrations showing samurai duels, moments of reflection, and scenes of emotional depth.
The red patterned fukurotoji (袋綴じ) binding retains its original title slip and showcases the enduring beauty of Japanese bookmaking.
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Title: 南總里見八犬傳 (Nansō Satomi Hakkenden – The Legend of the Eight Dog Warriors)
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Author: 曲亭馬琴 (Kyokutei Bakin, 1767–1848)
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Illustrator: 柳川重信 (Yanagawa Shigenobu)
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Publisher: 浅草英正堂 (Asakusa Eisendō)
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Date: Meiji period (c. 1880s–1890s)
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Volume: 第九巻 (Volume 9)
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Technique: Woodblock printing on washi paper
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Binding: Traditional fukurotoji stitched binding, red patterned cover with printed label
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Language: Classical Japanese (kanbun and kana mixed text)
Nansō Satomi Hakkenden stands as one of Japan’s most enduring literary masterpieces — a monumental saga that shaped the nation’s concepts of honor, loyalty, and moral virtue.
This Meiji-era edition captures the visual and narrative power of Bakin’s 19th-century storytelling, combining textual beauty with the expressive artistry of Edo woodblock prints.
For collectors of Japanese literature, ukiyo-e, and samurai culture, this book represents a tangible link between Edo-period imagination and Meiji-era craftsmanship — a bridge between two ages of Japanese art and publishing.
