Bansei Inyo Sosetsu-shu (萬世引用早節集) is a rare Japanese woodblock-printed educational almanac from the late Edo to early Meiji period (circa 1850–1870). Printed by Emochidō Bun (江持堂文), this compact reference book combines poetry, classical idioms, geography, and etiquette—serving as a cultural encyclopedia for literate scholars and merchants of the time.
Inside, readers will find:
Elegant kanbun and kana texts for writing and reading practice
Seasonal poems (waka), historical anecdotes, and Buddhist moral lessons
Lists of provinces, shrines, and famous places in Japan
Decorative woodblock calligraphy printed in black ink on handmade washi paper
This copy retains its original binding with visible wormholes and wear typical of authentic Meiji-era usage. A remarkable artifact of early Japanese education, reflecting the nation’s intellectual transition toward modernity.
Period: Late Edo–Early Meiji (c. 1850–1870) Technique: Woodblock print on washi paper (fukurotoji binding) Publisher: 江持堂文 (Emochidō Bun) Origin: Japan
