From Hünersdorff Rare Books ABA ILAB, London, United Kingdom
AbeBooks Seller Since December 1, 1999
Seller Rating
About this Item
(Japan) Hyakunin-Isyu Karuta. Deck of Japanese literary playing cards divided into 2 packs of 200 cards each (78 x 55 mm) one pack consisting of figurative multi-coloured miniature drawings including syllabic extracts from famous poems on topside is known as yomifuda or reading cards; the second pack containing calligraphic poetic excerpts matching the text of the first pack, is known as torifuda , or playing cards; the backs of all cards are lined with silver-gilt paper forming an elegant margin to the topside. Artist unknown. [Japan c1780-1800] Each pack of cards has its original gilt and blue brocade wrapper. With a matching brown inlay lacquer box of a slightly later date, and a protective in outer box of paulownia wood with calligraphic title. Popular Japanese party game based on the Ogura Hyakunin Isyu, a classical anthology of a hundred court poems by a hundred famous medieval poets compiled by Fujiwara no Teika in the Ogura district of Kyoto. The game is traditionally played on New Year s Day. Participants are tested on their knowledge and memory of the ancient poems. Each player has to draw a card from the pictorial yomifuda pack and find its fitting literary complement in the calligraphic torifuda pack as fast as possible. The winner is the player who is able to pick the most cards to enable him to complete and recite the poems. Poems can often be identified by their first syllable. The word karuta is a Japanese vocal adaptation of the Portuguese word carta . Playing cards were first introduced to Japan during the 16th century by Portuguese traders. An exceptionally fine specimen of a karuta deck in its original protective wrappers; in an excellent state of conservation. Seller Inventory # ABE-2033458461864380014
Bibliographic Details
Title: Hyakunin-Isyu Karuta.
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Fine
Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
Store Description
We accept pre-payment by cheque or international money order in pounds sterling, or equivalent currency value, to include any bank charges payable. Postage, packing and insurance are extra. Any book not found as described may be sent back, by return, with advance notice given. Please inform us by email, fax or phone if you have sent payment; we reserve the right to re-offer a book if payment is not confirmed sent within one week of an order.
Shipping costs are based on books weighing 1.1 pounds, or 500 gm. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.
Payment Methods
accepted by seller
