A rare complete Meiji-period woodblock-printed novel, titled 幻海奇譚 (Genkai Kitan) — “Strange Tales of the Illusory Sea.” Written by Okamoto Kisen (岡本起泉) and illustrated by Yoshikawa Shuntō (芳川春濤), this captivating work blends Edo kabuki drama, romantic adventure, and early Meiji humor into a visually striking narrative.
Originally published in three volumes, this copy combines all three parts (初編・中編・終編) into one beautifully preserved edition — complete with multi-color ukiyo-e illustrations, text in vertical Japanese script, and both black-and-blue ink pages typical of early Meiji print innovation.
Printed in Meiji 14 (1881) by Hasegawaya, the book reflects the transition from Edo’s woodblock culture to Meiji’s modernization. Its vibrant cover and expressive scenes showcase the new energy of Japan’s early modern publishing boom.
Title: 幻海奇譚 (Genkai Kitan)
Author: 岡本起泉 (Okamoto Kisen)
Illustrator: 芳川春濤 (Yoshikawa Shuntō)
Publisher: 長谷川屋 (Hasegawaya), Tokyo
Date: 明治14年 (1881)
Volumes: Complete – 3 volumes bound in 1
Technique: Woodblock printing with hand coloring
Material: Washi paper
Binding: Fukurotoji (traditional pouch binding)
Language: Classical Japanese
During the early Meiji period, Japan’s publishing culture flourished with gesaku and kusazōshi literature — illustrated fiction combining humor, drama, and ukiyo-e artistry. Genkai Kitan exemplifies this transition, blending Edo’s visual storytelling with modern Meiji themes of change and fantasy. Such works were forerunners of modern manga and serialized graphic storytelling.
