Title: 1881AD Antique Japanese Chinese woodblock printed book SetDate/Period: 1881Medium: paperDescription: Antique Japanese Chinese woodblock printed book Set 16 books, printed in 1881. Records of the Grand Historian: The Records of the Grand Historian, also known by its Chinese name Shiji, is a monumental history of ancient China and the world finished around 94 BC by the Western Han Dynasty official Sima Qian after having been started by his father, Sima Tan, Grand Astrologer to the imperial court. The work covers the world as it was then known to the Chinese and a 2,500-year period from the age of the legendary Yellow Emperor to the reign of Emperor Wu of Han in the author's own time. A little about how these were printed. The printing method in Japan up to the late 1800's was through wood blocks (Hangi). An entire page of writing would be laboriously carved out of a block of wood . . . backwards. In the exact same style as the original writer. Usually someone with beautiful calligraphic writing. These wood blocks would then be used to make multiple copies.. This was the way of printing in Japan before they began to go to movable type in the late 1800's. The paper is called washi and is made from mulberry pulp. It's often called "rice paper" but this is a misnomer. No rice was harmed in it's production. The magic thing about washi is that the older the paper gets the softer it gets. Using old Japanese books is like turning the pages of a book made of fine cloth. (The paper doesn't become brittle because of the lack of acid used in the production). Woodblock prints and these old books are a reflection of an artistry that no longer exists. This set is not complete. Please notes these are antique books, and there could be some stains and marks, also some worn holes. Please see image for details.
Reserve: $95.00
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $15.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.Location: This item ships from Washington
Your purchase is protected:
Photos, descriptions, and estimates were prepared with the utmost care by a fully certified expert and appraiser. All items in this sale are guaranteed authentic.
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Jasper52 specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Jasper52 within 5 days of receiving the item.
![George Washington Signed Discharge: Partly printed discharge document signed by George Washington, as Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States. Newburgh, [New York], 4 January 1783. 1 page, ## x ## in. Undersigned by Washin](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/7226/322253/173251475_1_x.jpg?height=310&quality=70&version=1710004847)
