Woodblock Print Book by Moriatsu Hayashi: Sumo and Samurai, E-hon Format

A blue cover, worn and mottled like an old map of the sea.

This woodblock print book was made in Japan in the early 18th century in ink on paper. Printed books in stitched bindings of this type were commonly produced for reading and for reference. The cover is a mottled indigo blue with black speckling, with scuffs and small losses along the edges. A tall paper label at the left holds columns of vertical characters, with a large numeral near the bottom. It is the oldest of its set.

About 10 inches by 7. Quiet, weathered and a little bit in charge.