Antique Japanese Shop Ledgers Interior Decor Display Calligraphy: C19th Japan

I  just could not resist these tactile hand painted and hand stitched antique Japanese shop ledgers or workbooks dating from the 19th century.

Entirely handmade each one is different, some printed but most hand written or painted, some with illustrations and just lovely as a collection.

They are incredibly tactile, soft and supple, the pages and covers feel like a textile. Whether this is the Miriam of hands they have passed through or the nature of the paper I know not, but it’s part of their extraordinary and unique character.

Please forgive me if I’ve photographed them upside down. There is no way of knowing which is what and to be honest I’m glad I’m unaware of what is written as I’m sure it might be rather dull. To me they are works of art, each and every one.

Measurements:
Largest: 20 x 28 cm

smallest: 15.5 x 22.5 cm

Condition:

Perfectly timeworn with an overall patina of age, folds, rubs and all the other things which give this collection of books their unique character.