Sword & Blossom Poems, Volumes I & II, published by T. Hasegawa (Tokyo, c. 1907–1909) — a finely produced example of Meiji-era craftsmanship. Every page, from text to image, is created using traditional Japanese woodblock printing, showcasing the delicate harmony of poetry and visual art.

Details & Highlights:

• Publisher: T. Hasegawa, Tokyo

• Illustrated entirely by woodblock prints — including all English text

• Volume I: Translations from the Kokin Wakashu (compiled c. 906 AD)

• Volume II: Additional early Japanese poems, also pre-906 AD

• Illustrators include: Ando Hiroshige, Katsushika Hokusai, Arai Yoshimune, Shoda Koho, Baison, Gesso, and more

• Binding: Creped paper over padded boards (chirimen-gami-e) in traditional Hasegawa style

• Pages: High-quality hosho-gami paper (not creped)

• Condition:

• Both volumes show expected age-related wear consistent with early 20th century publication:

• • Light edge wear and soft corner rounding on covers

  • Surface rubbing to the creped binding paper (mostly along spine and edges)

  • A few faint foxing marks and occasional spotting on interior pages — typical for handmade hosho-gami paper of this age

  • Binding remains fully intact and sound in both volumes

  • Small penciled gift inscription dated 12-25-30 and vintage bookplates affixed to inside covers

  • Transparent protective glassine wrappers included — slightly wrinkled, but still doing their job

  • No missing pages or significant tears noted

• Each volume protected in glassine wrap

• Handwritten 1930 gift inscription inside

• Bookplates from previous owner

• No major tears or water damage observed

What’s Inside:

• Volume I: Poems from the Kokin Wakashū — Japan’s first imperial waka anthology. Themes include nature, courtly emotions, and seasonal reflections.

• Volume II: Poems in Chinese poetic form, often focused on warrior spirit, discipline, and longing — the “Sword” in contrast to Volume I’s “Blossom.”

• Each page is fully woodblock-printed — including all English text.

• Dozens of hand-colored illustrations by Hasegawa-affiliated Japanese artists like Hiroshige, Baison, Shosa, Gesso, Yoshimune, and Shoda Koho.

• Preface and postscript in English offer cultural background on the poems and the translation process.

• A stunning fusion of art, literature, and craftsmanship 

Dimensions: Approx. 6.5 x 9.25 inches (each volume)

To Help the Searchers:

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