From our recent Japanese Acquisitions Travels.

A remarkable artistic play survivor.

One of a kind Japanese Complete “Noh Play” Production as written in 22 Woodblock books from the Utai Bon Houshou school , complete with original signed wooden storage box tomobako and dated Kaei 6 (1853).

This antique Japanese book of Noh plays published in 1853. All pages are wood block printed and of a style common to the cultural elite of the day. The paper this book is required over 200 days to make and is made of the inner bark of the gampi (mulberry) tree and made to last virtually indefinitely. Despite its age, the print is still very clear, and the pages turn easily.

Quality: good condition

Dimensions: books 8.5 inches high and 5.5 inches wide
wood box 15 inches tall and 10 inches wide

Provenance: old Tokyo collection

About Noh:
Noh—derived from the Sino-Japanese word for skill or talent—is a major form of classical Japanese musical drama that has been performed since the 14th century. Developed by Kan’ami and his son Zeami, it is the oldest major theater art that is still regularly performed today. Traditionally, a Noh program includes five Noh plays with comedic kyogen plays in between; an abbreviated program of two Noh plays and one kyogen piece has become common in Noh presentations today.
Noh is often based on tales from traditional literature with a supernatural being transformed into human form as a hero narrating a story. Noh integrates masks, costumes and various props in a dance-based performance, requiring highly trained actors and musicians. Emotions are primarily conveyed by stylized conventional gestures while the iconic masks represent the roles such as ghosts, women, children, and the elderly. Written in ancient Japanese language, the text vividly describes the ordinary people of the twelfth to sixteenth centuries (thank you wikipedia)

Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.

Our gallery has been dealing in authentic Japanese, Chinese, and fine Asian art, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. The president personally travels to China, Japan and Europe each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique work of art to ensure its old age, authenticity and quality condition.