Old print edition. Sagabon. The first printed copy of 『The Tales of Ise』. Publication of this Sagabon is known to be worked on by Hon`ami Koetsu and Suminokura Soan. This is one of the most referenced examples of beautiful ancient books for elegant typefaces and gorgeous binding. This book’s Sagabon was published in several versions from Keichō 13 to Keichō 15. According to classification by the Kawase Kazuma clan (『Addenda to Study of Early Prints』), this copy is the first printed print (first version and first edition). Whiting powdered paper. The recomposed copies have illustrations (25 paintings at the top, and 24 paintings at the bottom). Comment (crafted plate) by classical scholar Michikatsu Nakanoin (1556-1610) is placed at the end of the book, along with his autograph.(en)
Binding: Traditional Japanese hardcover bookbinding(en) , 装丁 : 和装, 薄茶色地卯花雲母摺模様原表紙 本文料紙は白色胡粉引素紙朱, 薄紅, 緑, 黄, 鼠の5色紙混 表紙の中央に黄土色地原題簽「伊勢物語上 (下) 」と印刷, Titled based on title page, 無辺無界 字高約22.5cm内外 幅14.8cm内外 漢字ひらがな交じり, Old print edition (first version, first edition), Imprint: Limbon, 書名は題簽による, No line marks; Text Height approx. 22.5cm; Width approx.14.8cm; Kanji and hiragana, 中院通勝自筆花押, Autographed by Michikatsu Nakanoin, 古活字版 (第1種イ本), Illustration 25 paintings in volume 1; 24 paintings in volume 2, Possession of Emile Javal, Cover: Weigela kirazuri pattern on the pale brown paper; Interior page: White powdered paper; Title page ‘The Tales of Ise volume 1 (volume 2) is printed at the center of cover page, painted in the mix of orange, pale pink, green, yellow, and gray, 印記: 林縫, Emile Javal旧蔵, 挿絵上巻25図, 下巻24図
