An authentic Meiji 8 (1875) illustrated woodblock-printed historical book from the official series Meiji Taiheiki (明治太平記), written by Murai Gensai (村井弦齋) and illustrated by Sensai Eitaku (鮮齋永濯) — both major figures of early Meiji-era cultural history.
Published in Tokyo by Enjudō (延壽堂) under government authorization (“官許”), this Volume 2, Part 2 (二編 下) continues the Boshin War narrative, chronicling the Imperial Army’s advance through Echigo, Fukushima, and Aizu, and the fall of the last strongholds of the old shogunate.
The book features a superb woodblock illustration of Imperial soldiers working beneath a bridge — a rare technical scene representing the modernization of military operations. The realistic linework and dramatic tension are hallmarks of Sensai Eitaku’s transition from ukiyo-e to Meiji reportage art.
Printed on handmade washi paper using vertical woodblock typography, the book retains its embossed green cover and traditional fukurotoji binding. Text and paper remain in excellent condition for its age.
As a government-licensed publication, Meiji Taiheiki served to document and glorify the Meiji Restoration, presenting the new Imperial order as both legitimate and heroic. Today, it stands as one of the most significant illustrated chronicles of Japan’s transformation from feudal state to modern nation.
A must-have for collectors of Meiji Restoration history, samurai warfare, and antique Japanese woodblock books.
