Japanese Fairy Tales: The Boy Who Drew Cats; The Old Woman Who Lost Her Dumpling; Chin Chin Kobakama; The Goblin Spider; The Fountain of Youth. by HEARN, Lafcadio (renders into English) - [c 1931]

T. Hasegawa, Tokyo., [c 1931]. Edition unknown, as Hasegawa issued these sets of five volumes repeatedly over a ten-year period from 1931. It seems that sets in uniform size with all volumes measuring 13.8 x 19.3 cm, as here, are earlier in the series, as later sets which include smaller volumes are also known. Some very similar sets were issued by the Macrae-Smith Company in Philadelphia and the only indication of these is on the title-label on the slipcase. In the present case Macrae-Smith are not mentioned which again suggests this is an early set. Each title was also available separately, with some of them dating back to the late 19th century. Colour woodblock illustrations on every page, printed on creped paper and bound in Japanese style with stab silk ties.All volumes fine in original fragile rice paper sleeves. The front and back boards of the original slipcase, together with the ivory clasps, are present.