Thalès

190861 — Tokyo: late-19th century. A colourful Meiji-period edition depicting a traditional fairy tale of a villainous tanuki racoon dog being defeated by a heroic rabbit. The story originated in the 16th century and remains popular to this day. It became especially widespread in the late 19th century as a moral tale targeted at young children. Kachi-kachi yama opens with an old man capturing a tanuki a well-known trickster. The animal is released by the old man's wife but then goes on to kill her. In revenge a friendly rabbit plays three increasingly violent pranks on the tanuki including setting fire to a bundle of sticks it was carrying while climbing a mountain. The story ends with the rabbit returning to the old man who is grateful for the help. Duodecimo concertina-style 118 x 89 mm. With 12 colour woodblock prints; text in classical Japanese. Original light brown cloth boards manuscript paper label on front board black speckled front panels. Housed in modern blue cloth folding case. Remains of old shelf label on rear board. Contents bright: a fine copy. hardcover