Very good condition overall. All pages are in excellent condition with only very slight insect damage. The main condition issue is the loss of the original string binding; the volumes have been secured with large metal staples. This does not affect the interior pages but slightly detracts from the original appearance of the covers.
This pair of Edo-period woodblock printed books represents the 27th episode (first and second volumes) of Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji (偽紫田舎源氏), published in 1833. The text is by Ryūtei Tanehiko (1783–1842), with illustrations by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III).
A bestselling gōkan of its time, this series reimagines The Tale of Genji in a contemporary Edo setting, centering on the character Ashikaga Mitsuuji, son of Ashikaga Yoshimasa. Known for integrating text and image, gōkan were highly popular illustrated novels, combining narrative storytelling with engaging visual elements.
The covers are color-printed with figural designs, while the interior pages feature finely executed black-and-white illustrations. Kunisada’s artwork remains crisp and expressive throughout, reflecting the quality and appeal that made the series widely successful.
A desirable and well-preserved example of Edo-period popular literature, particularly appealing to collectors of ukiyo-e books and Genji-related works.
