Shijuhattana [48 Shelves]

48 full-page woodcuts. 25 folding leaves. Large 8vo, orig. wrappers (wrappers rather tired, occasional light staining), new stitching. N.p.: 1658.

First edition and very rare; WorldCat does not locate a copy. This is a very early and highly specialized monograph describing the design and construction of 48 different kinds of shelves, each with a specific purpose. They include staggered shelves; shelves to display art objects; shelves with pillars; ornamental shelves; shelves built to hold heavy loads; shelves which can be used as desks; a shelf for a bird cage; shelves to display fans; shelves to suggest cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and pine, willow and maple trees; folding shelves; shelves with sliding doors; shelves for baskets; shelves tall enough for a two story house; symmetrical pairs of shelves; shelves for religious and ceremonial objects; shelves to store kimono; etc., etc.

The colophon leaf states that the designs and techniques of construction had hitherto been passed on by word-of-mouth and practical experience.

Throughout this book, a contemporary annotator has furnished measurements for each shelf design, with the occasional comment.

Very good copy of an extremely rare book. Minor worming.