Discover a remarkable piece of Japanese cultural history with this Edo-period woodblock-printed guidebook, Ise Meisho Zue (伊勢参宮名所図会), including its Appendix Volume (附録). This beautifully preserved Japanese book was originally created as a travel and pilgrimage guide to the sacred region of Ise, home of the Ise Grand Shrine (伊勢神宮).
This authentic volume showcases finely detailed woodblock illustrations, elegant kuzushiji classical calligraphy, and descriptive text that highlights the famous temples, landscapes, and cultural sites of Ise—making it a valuable collectible for historians, collectors of Japanese art, and lovers of antique books.
Key Features
Original Edo-period Japanese book (likely late Edo to early Meiji reproduction)
Title: 伊勢参宮名所図会（附録） Ise Sangu Meisho Zue – Appendix Volume
Format: Traditional washi paper, stab-bound (和本 / 和綴じ)
Content:
Detailed descriptive text about shrines, temples, villages, and geographic features
Multiple woodblock illustrations depicting landscapes, pilgrims, warriors, and mountain scenes
Classical Japanese writing (kuzushiji)
Authentic woodblock-printed pages with historical wear consistent with age
A beautiful display piece for collectors of ukiyo-e, Japanese prints, antique books, and Edo-period history
Art & Cultural Significance
This guidebook belongs to the celebrated Meisho-zue genre—illustrated books that documented famous sites and pilgrimage routes in Japan. Ise Meisho Zue was especially treasured by travelers visiting the Ise Grand Shrine, offering them a visual and written journey through sacred landscapes.
The included woodblock illustration—showing samurai figures in a mountainous environment—is a stunning representation of Edo artistic style and craftsmanship.
