A remarkable Edo-period illustrated book blending dynamic samurai battle scenes with delicate landscape sketches and poetic calligraphy. This edition, bound as two volumes in one, embodies the cultural and artistic refinement of Japan’s 19th-century printmaking tradition.
The book alternates between scenes of armored warriors in combat, court officials in dialogue, and tranquil natural vistas, reflecting the harmony between martial valor and aesthetic contemplation — a hallmark of Edo literary art. The black-and-white woodblock illustrations are accompanied by handwritten-style Japanese text, elegantly laid out with attention to composition and rhythm.
Printed on handmade washi paper and stitched in the traditional fukuro-toji (pouch binding) style, the work captures both the heroism of samurai ideals and the serene beauty of Japanese landscapes.
Title: Unknown Edo Samurai & Landscape Tale (Two Volumes Combined)
Period: Late Edo Period (c. mid–19th century)
Genre: Illustrated historical fiction / warrior tale
Technique: Woodblock printing (black ink on washi)
Binding: Fukuro-toji (pouch binding)
Paper: Handmade washi
Content: Samurai battles, nature landscapes, poetry, and dialogue scenes
This edition represents the fusion of warrior legend and poetic aesthetics characteristic of late-Edo Japanese publishing. The combination of military scenes and nature imagery illustrates the ideal balance between strength and refinement valued in samurai culture.
A superb example for collectors of ukiyo-e books, Edo woodblock prints, and historical Japanese art.
