This authentic Edo-period Japanese woodblock-printed book is an illustrated yomihon (読本) titled Seigetsuya Kenkairoku (星月夜顕晦録), specifically identified from the original text as Third Series, Volume 4 (三編 巻之四).
Printed in the late Edo period (early–mid 19th century) using traditional woodblock techniques, this volume combines dense classical Japanese narrative with finely executed black-ink illustrations. The imagery depicts dramatic scenes of samurai life, domestic interiors, courtly settings, night encounters, confrontation, loyalty, and moral consequence, all characteristic of serious Edo literary fiction.
Unlike light popular picture books (kusazōshi), Seigetsuya Kenkairoku belongs to the yomihon genre, intended for educated readers. The illustrations serve to heighten key moments of the narrative rather than dominate the text, reflecting the refined literary culture of late Edo publishing.
Details
Title: 星月夜顕晦録
Romanization: Seigetsuya Kenkairoku
Series: 三編 (Third Series)
Volume: 巻之四 (Volume 4)
Completeness: Complete volume, ending marked 「終」
Period: Late Edo period (c. early–mid 19th century)
