Manuscript on paper, entitled on upper wrapper “Uchi Sakurada kinkata ikken” [trans.: “Record of the Activity at the Inner Sakurada Gate”]

61 folding leaves, written in a fine & legible hand, several diagrams in the text. 8vo (255 x 158 mm.), self-wrappers, stitched. Edo: copied in 1809 by “Masatoshi Tada.”

This fascinating document is a copy of a log book, prepared by the guards and government officials who oversaw the activities of the famous Inner Sakurada Gate, part of Edo Castle. Following the title leaf, we find a table of contents with the following sections: 1. number of guards and officials, their positions and roles; 2. rules and regulations of the gate; 3. hours of duty and changing of the guard; 4. the actual log; and 5. annual events and precessions which take place at this gate.

As one studies this manuscript, one becomes aware of the inner workings of the shogun’s castle in all its complexity on a nearly daily basis: many names are listed, detailed comings and goings of dignitaries and doctors, rules for the workers, security issues in case of fire or earthquakes, armaments at the ready, lists of gifts and supplies for the shogun’s household, etc.

In fine condition.