[KIMURA, ISAO]. きむらいさお.

絵本チーズ・ブロー号. [Ehon Chīzu, Burōgō].
[Woodblock Picture Book. Story of the Cheseborough].

青森. [Aomori]. 青森県文芸協会出版部. [Aomori-ken Bungei Kyōkai Shuppanbu]. 1974. Number 78 of a limited edition of 200. Stock ID #172088

Hand-printed black and white wood block illustrations, each with a tissue guard, 14 double leaves, 30 x 35cm, bound in 4 hole Japanese stab binding, presented in an attractive card case covered in light blue washi and secured with a cord tie. Case shows a little wear and fading, the volume itself is in excellent condition. A most attractive scarce work.

This beautifully crafted and illustrated book tells the story of the Cheseborough and its American crew who were rescued by villagers of Tsugaru in northern Japan when their ship ran aground in October 1889. The ship built in Bath, Maine was en-route between Japan and the United States when it was wrecked with the loss of many lives. The heroic people of the nearby village of Tsugaru battled the fierce sea and managed to save the lives of four of the nineteen crew. The bravery and care these people gave so unselfishly, during the rescue itself and later as they nursed the survivors back to health, has built a bond which continues to this day.

This striking volume includes stories in Japanese with beautiful full page black and white woodblocks on the facing page. They tell the stories of this fateful time including of how the embrace of a naked village woman warmed the body of one of the frozen sailors back to life. The sailor was one of the four who survived. Today a memorial on the beach of Shariki tells the story for future generations. The actions of these Japanese villagers over 130 years ago continue to have resonance and led to the establishment of a formal twin towns agreement in 1994.

This beautiful book with its story of hope, bravery and endurance is illustrated with compelling black and white wood block prints. These images, accompanied by Japanese text, alone tell the story.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 172088.

Price: $1,500.00 AU

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