Jun 06, 2019 - Sale 2512

Sale 2512 - Lot 302

Price Realized: $ 1,375
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 600 - $ 900
(JAPAN -- GAMES.) Shogaku Tokuhon, Machi No Ichi. 75 pages, profusely illustrated with woodblock prints of children at play. 8vo format, 8 3/4x6 inches, original embossed yellow paper wrappers with printed paper label, light wear, partially restitched; contents fine. Japan, circa 1870

Additional Details

Including the earliest printed image of the game of baseball in a Japanese publication.

together with: 2 complete sets of "Kingu Kado" King Cards depicting politicians and celebrities of the early 20th century. The sets comprise 12 uncut sheets of four cards each, totaling 48 cards per set contained within their original slightly worn printed paper envelopes; 4 1/4x5 3/4 inches sheets size; Japan, circa 1930. One image depicts Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth in a celebratory parade; Ruth was a very popular figure in Japan and the back of the card describes him as the "King of Home Runs". Shortly after these cards were produced, the first Japanese professional baseball teams were formed.