Woodblock Print Book by Shigeharu Ryusai: History of an Emperor, E-hon Format

Bright orange covers, embossed with flowers, for a book that means business.

This woodblock print book, History of An Emperor, E-Hon Format, is from Japan, dated 1849, in ink on paper, by Shigeharu Ryusai. E-hon, illustrated woodblock books, served Edo-period readers with history, legend and instruction alike. The cover is a vivid persimmon orange, pressed all over with a dense scrolling floral pattern. A paper title slip runs down the left side in strong black characters, and the binding is sewn along the right edge. It is 7 inches wide and 9.9 high.

History, dressed for an occasion.