Tezuma hayadenju [trans.: How to Learn Magic Tricks Quickly]

Many double & single-page illus. of tricks in the text. 30 leaves (of 33, apparently lacking the advertisement leaves at end). 8vo, orig. blue wrappers (rather rubbed & tired), orig. block-printed title label on upper cover (rubbed), modern stitching. [Osaka: Preface dated 1825 but probably published in 1849].

First edition of this charmingly illustrated work on Japanese magic. Jipposha (active 1844-49), was the author of two other magic books, both also published in the 1840s. Following the very witty preface, the author describes 35 tricks, each depicted in the text. The illustrations are particularly lively and clever. Some of the tricks include: how to have a raccoon deliver sake, shadow tricks and illusions, making instant ice, creating a bright light at night in order to spot money on the pavement, lifting many heavy coins with a thin piece of paper, "cutting" sake into two pieces, attaching a tea cup on a pillar, catching fire flies, shadow play, making ghosts appear, water tricks, making the sounds of thunder, various optical illusions, pebbles flying around the room, writing words on the surface of the water, moving eggs, floating coins on water, how to make a cosmetic to foster white skin, etc.

Very good copy and rare; WorldCat locates only the LC copy. Some repaired worming to first and final leaves touching the outer and lower outer corners of the text.