A book that invites an appropriate level of ceremony; after opening the printed card box, we find an attractive red lacquerware case, within which sits Serizawa’s great tome, protectively wrapped in a fine silk cloth.
This book itself commemorates the 50th anniversary of the death of Ashikaga Kisaburo (1842-1930), who was more famously known as Inaba no Genza (‘Genza’ being his name, Inaba an area in what is now the east of Tottori prefecture). It was commissioned by the Ganshoji Temple in Tottori, to which Genza was affiliated. Inside are stories of Genza’s life as a myokonin – a devout follower of Pure Land Buddhism (Jodo Shinshu) – with a selection of his sayings.
Across the 26 chapters, each anecdote is printed elegantly in letterpress, accompanied by a katazome illustration by Serizawa. In the first picture of Genza we see him knelt on the ground, with the words “Yokoso yokoso” written beside him. This was a phrase he was particuarly known for, which translates to “Welcome, welcome”. It is thought to encapsulate his kind, welcoming spirit, as well as his gratitude towards all visitors to the temple.
Serizawa’s friend and collaborator Yanagi Soetsu was particularly interested in the life of Inaba no Genza, having learnt about him as a schoolboy. He wrote essays on his life, as well as other myokonin, which he published in various issues of Kogei (‘Craft’ magazine – a publication by members of the Mingei Movement).
Rare. No copies listed in OCLC.
