An authentic Meiji-period woodblock-printed illustrated novel (kusazōshi style), titled 今常盤布施譚 (Ima Tokiwa Fuse Monogatari) — “The Modern Tale of Tokiwa’s Devotion.”
Written by Hayashi Hakuen (林伯圓) and illustrated by Baido Kunimasa (梅堂國政), this richly illustrated book adapts the legend of Lady Tokiwa, blending historical storytelling, samurai valor, and emotional drama in the expressive Meiji visual style.
This edition uniquely combines all three volumes (初編・中編・終編 – first, middle, and final) into a single bound copy, making it a complete version — very rare among surviving Meiji publications.
Printed by Shōendō (松延堂) on handmade washi paper, the book features delicate color woodblock illustrations, finely printed text, and traditional fukurotoji (stitched binding).
The cover scene evokes refined domestic interiors of the Meiji era, while the interior images depict samurai, heroines, and dramatic encounters — a vivid window into the culture and art of 19th-century Japan.
Title: 今常盤布施譚 (Ima Tokiwa Fuse Monogatari)
Translation: The Modern Tale of Tokiwa’s Devotion
Author: 林伯圓 (Hayashi Hakuen)
Illustrator: 梅堂國政 (Baido Kunimasa)
Publisher: 松延堂 (Shōendō)
Date: Circa Meiji 1880s
Volumes: Complete set – 3 volumes in 1
Technique: Woodblock printing with hand-coloring
Material: Washi paper
Binding: Fukurotoji (pouch-bound)
Language: Classical Japanese
The Tokiwa Fuse legend recounts the story of Lady Tokiwa’s loyalty and sacrifice, a recurring motif in Edo and Meiji popular literature.
This Meiji adaptation updates the tale with modernized domestic imagery, color woodblock accents, and transitional narrative art bridging ukiyo-e illustration and modern manga storytelling.
Baido Kunimasa, a pupil of Utagawa Kunisada, was active in the early Meiji print scene, celebrated for his elegant portrayals of women and stage actors. His work here perfectly captures the refined yet emotional spirit of the era.
