[Japan] Sample album for exclusive fabrics,

19th century, with 29 leaves to which are affixed on both sides 1 or 2 patches of (coloured) fabric, altogether 75 pieces, identified in calligraphed characters, also with 27 blank leaves, ribbonbound between the original limp boards, 28.5 x 19 cm.

A number of patches (particularly the black-coloured ones) are heavily damaged, have fallen apart entirely or are missing, but most examples are in very good condition. The album itself is slightly stained at beginning and end, front cover and bookblock here and there with small wormholes, else most leaves (also the blank leaves) perforated in margin (for what purpose remains unknown to us); boards worn. With stamp "Oriental Book Store 1713 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, Ca. 91106" on inside back board. Highly extraordinary sample book, undoubtedly extremely rare in its kind, with a large number of texts with the patches determined in western script on pasted strips, some examples: "O Meiski Okimo. Dress of highest propriety"; "Deposed emperor's robe"; "Kampaku advis. to Emperor"; "Royal family, ministers robe for children"; "Fab. for warriors given 4th rank"; "Dress for winter, Emperor to 3rd degree nobility under the robe"; "Oimeiski Konoe family dress of highest peer. Underclothing"; "San mi ijo #3 class"; "Lacquered fabric for lining"; "Older officers"; "Ministers. Min. of left. Min. of right"; "Single summer clothes"; "Puffy robes"; "Fushimi family"; "Longtail 3rd rank"; "Hunting dress for winter"; "Summer, game"; "Same. Emperor's, sport"; "Konoe families. Traditional patterns. Trousers"; "Kampaku = counselor to emperors. Trousers fab."; "Bukei - Samurai warrior class"; "Military attaché court attendants"; "Imperial family over gowns" [with gold thread]; "Hakama = Samurai kilt"; "Green = unusual colour, for women"; "Empress gown".