This exquisite collection of traditional Japanese folklore, translated and adapted for Western audiences, is elevated by the ethereal watercolor illustrations of Warwick Goble, a master of early 20th-century Orientalist art. Published during the golden age of gift books, Goble’s delicate brushwork and luminous colors bring to life tales of shapeshifting foxes, moon princesses, and heroic fishermen, capturing the elegance and mystery of Japan’s storytelling heritage.
Highlights include classics like “The Tale of the Bamboo-Cutter” (an early precursor to Princess Kaguya), “Momotaro the Peach Boy,” and “The Mirror of Matsuyama,” each framed by Goble’s intricate borders of cherry blossoms, waves, and gilded clouds. His illustrations—though filtered through a British Edwardian lens—reflect meticulous research into Japanese woodblock prints and kimono textiles, creating a bridge between cultures.
A jewel of illustrated Edwardian literature, this edition appeals to collectors of fairy tales, ukiyo-e-inspired art, and vintage children’s books.
A cornerstone of early 20th-century illustrated fairy tale books, influencing Western perceptions of Japanese folklore.
“Goble’s art doesn’t just accompany these tales—it breathes cherry-blossom-scented life into them.” — The Illustrated London News, 1923
