The Tongue Cut Sparrow

This is number two in the Japanese Fairy Tale Series which was block  printed on  soft handmade chirimen crepe paper from the 1860s. This series was significant in introducing Japanese folklore to English speaking audiences after Japan  widely opened up to the west in the Meiji period.  This edition is undated, but I think it is c.1885. All the editions I  can find  online vary slightly.  There appears to be a printing error  on the first page where one of the sheets of paper held by the sparrows is blank. It's simply bound with silk thread and measures 15.5cm x 10.5cm. It show some signs of wear but is generally in good condition.  A charming  piece of Meiji era  book art! 

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