An authentic Edo-period woodblock-printed book (ehon) featuring humorous poems (kyōka 狂歌) and illustrations of daily life in 19th-century Japan. This charming volume presents a poetic calendar of the twelve months (junigatsu), combining witty verses with lively black-and-white and partially hand-colored ukiyo-e drawings.
Printed circa c.1840–1860, this small-format book reflects the humor and elegance of Edo’s urban culture — depicting geisha, merchants, sake drinkers, and seasonal motifs with satirical charm. The cover shows a woman in a blue kimono with cherry blossoms, while the interior pages feature calligraphic text and humorous sketches, including small color details in blue and red inks.
Printed on handmade washi paper and bound in fukurotoji (stitched pouch) format, this book embodies the spirit of Edo’s playful literary salons.
Technique: Woodblock print with partial hand-coloring
Material: Handmade washi paper
Binding: Fukurotoji (traditional pouch binding)
Language: Japanese (kuzushiji cursive script)
Content: Illustrated monthly poems, daily life humor, and moral satire
In Edo Japan, kyōka — literally “mad poems” — were a witty, parodic form of classical waka poetry, blending humor with elegant wordplay. Artists and poets collaborated to produce illustrated books for cultured townspeople who delighted in satire, puns, and seasonal beauty. This volume captures that lively mix of art, literature, and humor, offering a rare glimpse into Edo-period popular culture.
