Author/compiler: Unknown. Imprint: N.p., n.d. [Keichō period, c. 1600-15] . No colophon. Description: Comprises maki 1-9 and 11-12 (of 12), in 11 satsu. 27.7 x 19.7 cm. Fukurotoji. Maki 1-7, 9, 11 and 12 retain their original dark brown covers with centrally placed title slips, added later, on satsu 3-7 and 9. Manuscript gedai: 平家物語. In a modern box. Edition: A 12-line katakana-majiri movable type edition. Contents: Greatest of the war tales (gunki monogatari 軍記物語), dealing with the heyday of the Taira family (1160-80) and the wars between the Taira and Minamoto clans (1180-85), ending in the crushing defeat of the Taira (Heike 平家). Probably written by a court noble in the early 13th century, though the original source material is uncertain. The work is permeated throughout by Buddhist doctrines of the impermanence of human life and activity.
Heike monogatari 平家物語
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- ReferenceGB 59 16052.f.12
- Dates of Creation[1600-1615]
- Language of MaterialJapanese
- Physical Description11 volumes Condition: Very poor. Many folios torn, damaged and embrittled, especially in maki 3, 6, 7, 8, 11 and 12. Extensive worm damage and brown staining. Covers missing from maki 8. Impression: Mostly sharp and clear, but with some evidence of type wear. Seals of ownership: None.
Scope and Content
Access Information
Not Public Record(s)
Unrestricted
Acquisition Information
Acquired at Glendining's sale, London, 22 March 1956.
Other Finding Aids
Kenneth Gardner, Descriptive Catalogue of Japanese books in the British Library printed before 1700 (London and Tenri, 1993). C. Japanese works 和書 5. Literature - fiction 国文-小説 d. Gunki monogatari 軍記物語
Bibliography
Kokatsujiban no kenkyū 古活字版の研究, p. 535 and pl. 404. Also Daitōkyū kinen bunko kichōsho kaidai 大東急記念文庫貴重書解題, vol. 3, p. 62.