TENSHO KANKI SHO [BRIEF EXPLANATION OF ASTRONOMICAL PHENOMENA]

From the Collection of James E. Fagan (1926-2011)

Nagakubo Sekisui (1717-1801)
Tensho kanki sho [Brief Explanation of Astronomical Phenomena]
1 volume book, woodblock printed, Anei 3 (1774), 2 single pages of preface, followed by 4 single pages containing a rare rotating planisphere, or volvelle, with Chinese constellations, following which are 9 leaves of text
15.5 x 11.4cm.

Provenance
James E. Fagan (1926-2011) was an American collector with a special interest in the introduction of Western culture and technology to Japan’s closed Edo-era society (1603-1868), also known as the Tokugawa period. Mr Fagan studied Japanese language and history at Stanford University, and served as a US Naval officer in the Pacific theatre. He then lived and worked in Japan as an attorney in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

During this time, Fagan assembled and researched his collection of rare Edo-era woodblock and manuscript maps, prints and books not available outside Japan. Highlights include Nagasaki-e (showing the Japanese fascination with the Dutch East Indies (VOC) outpost at Deshima island), early Rangaku examinations of Western science and languages, the evolution of Japanese cartographic knowledge, and the study of English and Russian military might and technology. Imaginative illustrations and maps, from Japanese castaways reporting back to the Japanese Court, also provide a glimpse of how the Western world appeared to the first Japanese to circumnavigate the globe.

The collection demonstrates Japan’s keen curiosity about the Western world during its long isolationist period, and the artful way the Japanese perspective captures the impact of European contact.

Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.