SHINPAN. ONNA SHOREISHŪ 新板 女諸礼集 [New Edition. Collection of Rules of Etiquette for Women]: title from printed labels on upper covers
Many double- & full-page woodcut illus. Seven kan in six vols. 8vo, orig. semi-stiff dark blue wrappers (rubbed), orig. title-slips on covers, new stitching. Osaka: Honya Seizaemon 本屋清左衛門, 1675.
Second edition (1st ed.: 1660) of this early Edo-period etiquette book for women. Onna shoreishū provides a comprehensive guide to the customs and formalities expected of upper-class women. More than a moral treatise, it details cultural and social etiquette, covering seasonal clothing, ritual preparation, wedding ceremonies and the bridal selection process, palatial womanly and wifely duties, childbirth and child-rearing customs, and even permissible food and leisure activities during mourning. Its richly illustrated pages include usage instructions, precise measurements, and depictions of material objects.
The 17th century saw the consolidation of peace under Tokugawa rule and the rise of a highly stratified, propriety-emphasizing society. Social stability was reinforced through codified roles, fueling demand for conduct books (reisho 礼書). Part of this growing genre, Onna shoreishū targeted literate women. The rules were often written by Confucian scholars, Buddhist monks, or experienced women from samurai or courtly backgrounds to educate younger generations in the proper way of life. Primarily intended for samurai wives, daughters, and affluent merchant women, it helped them navigate Edo’s complex social expectations. The book reflects a world where class distinctions were visually reinforced, etiquette governed every aspect of life, and women — despite their subordination — were central in maintaining family prestige, economic stability, and cultural refinement.
The colophon of the sixth volume states: “The way to discipline a woman is numerous, even for a thousand generations. Now supplemented and expanded, the etiquette of famous women.” This reflects its purpose: not just to instruct but to ensure these behavioral codes endured across generations. Conduct books like this remained popular well into the 18th century, later appealing even to commoner women who, through cheaper reprints, could glimpse the once-exclusive customs of the elite.
This work contains many fine double-page and single-page woodcut scenes of luxurious kimono by seasons, processions, a dowry, birthing, ceremonies, offerings, layouts of banquet dishes, a finely appointed kitchen, etc.
Fine set and rare; according to WorldCat, there is only one copy of this edition, at Kyoto University. Preserved in a chitsu. Minor worming.
Second edition (1st ed.: 1660) of this early Edo-period etiquette book for women. Onna shoreishū provides a comprehensive guide to the customs and formalities expected of upper-class women. More than a moral treatise, it details cultural and social etiquette, covering seasonal clothing, ritual preparation, wedding ceremonies and the bridal selection process, palatial womanly and wifely duties, childbirth and child-rearing customs, and even permissible food and leisure activities during mourning. Its richly illustrated pages include usage instructions, precise measurements, and depictions of material objects.
The 17th century saw the consolidation of peace under Tokugawa rule and the rise of a highly stratified, propriety-emphasizing society. Social stability was reinforced through codified roles, fueling demand for conduct books (reisho 礼書). Part of this growing genre, Onna shoreishū targeted literate women. The rules were often written by Confucian scholars, Buddhist monks, or experienced women from samurai or courtly backgrounds to educate younger generations in the proper way of life. Primarily intended for samurai wives, daughters, and affluent merchant women, it helped them navigate Edo’s complex social expectations. The book reflects a world where class distinctions were visually reinforced, etiquette governed every aspect of life, and women — despite their subordination — were central in maintaining family prestige, economic stability, and cultural refinement.
The colophon of the sixth volume states: “The way to discipline a woman is numerous, even for a thousand generations. Now supplemented and expanded, the etiquette of famous women.” This reflects its purpose: not just to instruct but to ensure these behavioral codes endured across generations. Conduct books like this remained popular well into the 18th century, later appealing even to commoner women who, through cheaper reprints, could glimpse the once-exclusive customs of the elite.
This work contains many fine double-page and single-page woodcut scenes of luxurious kimono by seasons, processions, a dowry, birthing, ceremonies, offerings, layouts of banquet dishes, a finely appointed kitchen, etc.
Fine set and rare; according to WorldCat, there is only one copy of this edition, at Kyoto University. Preserved in a chitsu. Minor worming.
Details
Title
SHINPAN. ONNA SHOREISHŪ 新板 女諸礼集 [New Edition. Collection of Rules of Etiquette for Women]: title from printed labels on upper covers
Author
ONNA SHOREISHŪ
Condition
Unknown