This authentic Edo-period Japanese woodblock-printed book is an illustrated yomihon (読本) titled Seigetsuya Kenkairoku (星月夜顕晦録), a refined literary work from the late 18th to early 19th century.
Printed using traditional woodblock techniques, this volume features dense classical Japanese text alongside finely detailed black-ink illustrations depicting dramatic scenes of samurai life, domestic interiors, night journeys, moral conflict, and retribution. The narrative follows Edo-period literary conventions, blending Confucian ethics, social justice, fate, and karmic consequence.
Unlike popular picture-heavy kusazōshi, this book belongs to the yomihon genre, intended for educated readers and collectors. The illustrations enhance key moments of the story while preserving the book’s literary seriousness.
Details
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Title: 星月夜顕晦録 (Seigetsuya Kenkairoku)
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Period: Late Edo period (c. 1780–1830)
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Genre: Illustrated Yomihon (読本)
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Printing: Original Edo-period woodblock printing
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Language: Classical Japanese
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Binding: Traditional fukuro-toji (stab binding)
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Illustrations: Black ink woodblock illustrations throughout
Illustrated yomihon such as Seigetsuya Kenkairoku are increasingly sought after by collectors of:
This piece represents a genuine example of pre-modern Japanese publishing culture, ideal for collectors, researchers, or refined interior display.
