A beautifully illustrated Japanese moral-education book from the late Edo to early Meiji period, printed using traditional woodblock techniques.
This volume teaches essential virtues and proper conduct through stories, proverbs, and scenes from daily life, making it a fascinating example of pre-modern Japanese pedagogy.
The book contains large, expressive illustrations depicting monks, scholars, farmers, merchants, and children, all used to transmit ethical principles through visual storytelling. These educational texts were essential tools in an era before modern schooling, and surviving copies with clear images are now increasingly rare.
Historical Background
During the late Edo and early Meiji periods (mid-1800s), Japan relied heavily on moral instruction books (教訓書 / 〈おしえ書〉) to teach virtues such as honesty, kindness, discipline, filial piety, humility, and social responsibility.
These texts blended:
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Confucian ethics (loyalty, respect, proper behavior)
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Buddhist moral lessons (compassion, self-restraint)
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Practical daily advice for children and young apprentices
Books like this were used in temple schools (寺子屋), where reading and ethics were the foundation of education.
What This Book Contains
This volume is filled with woodblock-printed illustrations and easy-to-read text featuring:
Illustrated Moral Lessons
Scenes of everyday domestic life teaching:
- Respect for elders and parents
- Good behavior in public and private
- Discipline, modesty, and responsibility
- Honesty and proper manners
Characters in Daily Life
Woodblock scenes show:
- Children being taught by monks
- Merchants and craftsmen
- Farmers and laborers
- Family interactions
- Moral “bad examples” and “good examples”
Buddhist & Confucian Themes
Teachings include:
- The importance of gratitude
- Avoiding laziness or greed
- Practicing compassion
- Understanding duty within family & society
Large Panels with Detailed Artwork
Each chapter includes expressive illustrations that capture Edo-Meiji clothing, interiors, tools, and cultural habits — valuable references for collectors and researchers.
Rarity & Collectibility
- Authentic woodblock-printed edition
- Likely mid-19th century (late Edo → early Meiji transition)
- Illustrated moral-education books are highly sought after because of:
- Their rich cultural and social detail
- Their use in寺子屋 (temple schools)
- Their increasing scarcity in good condition
Surviving copies with many clear illustrations are considered collectible and rare.
Item Details
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Genre: Moral education / ethical instruction (教訓書)
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Period: Late Edo – early Meiji (mid to late 1800s)
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Printing: Woodblock-printed text & illustrations
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Content: Confucian & Buddhist ethics, daily-life teachings, illustrated moral stories
A superb item for collectors of Edo–Meiji culture, Japanese education history, woodblock printing, and traditional moral texts.
