SKETCHES OF JAPANESE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS***
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SKETCHES OF JAPANESE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS
by
J. M. W. SILVER Lieutenant Royal Marines, Light Infantry (Late of the Royal Marine Battalion for Service in Japan)
Illustrated by Native Drawings, Reproduced in Fac-Simile by Means of Chromo-Lithography.
LONDON
1867
[Illustration: Sketches of Japanese Manners and Customs]
TO
COLONEL SIR EDMUND SAUNDERSON PRIDEAUX, BART.
DEAR SIR EDMUND,
These few 'Sketches of Japanese Manners and Customs' were collected during the years 1864-5, at which time I was attached to the Battalion of Royal Marines for service in Japan, and it is now very pleasing to have the privilege of dedicating them to one who was the friend and companion-in-arms of my late Father.
In memory of this bond of friendship, and in grateful acknowledgment of the many kindnesses you have shown me, this Dedication of my humble efforts to assist in the elucidation of the social condition of a distant and comparatively unknown race, affords me deep gratification.
With much respect and esteem, I am, Dear Sir Edmund, Very faithfully yours, J. M. W. SILVER.
Royal Marine Barracks, Forton, January 29th, 1867.
CONTENTS.
I. FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS
II. FIRES AND FIRE-BRIGADES
III. DOMESTIC LIFE
IV. THE TYCOON, DAIMIOS, AND ARISTOCRACY
V. THE COURT OF THE MIKADO
VI. THE 'HARA KIRU'
VII. NATIONAL GAMES AND AMUSEMENTS
VIII. CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS
IX. SUPERSTITIONS AND RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES
X. ON THE TOKAIDO AND IN THE TEA-HOUSES
XI. THE SPY SYSTEM--THE BATH-HOUSE
XII. LOVE OF FLOWERS
LIST OF PLATES.
TITLE.
FESTIVAL IN HONOUR OF THE BIRTH OF CHILDREN.
MERCHANTS' GREAT FESTIVAL.
OTINTA LAMA.
A FIRE-BRIGADE ON ITS WAY TO A FIRE.
A JAPANESE WEDDING.
A DAIMIO PAYING A STATE VISIT.
A DAIMIO AND FAMILY WITNESSING FIREWORKS.
A MINISTER OF THE MIKADO ON A RELIGIOUS EXPEDITION.
THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE IN FRONT OF THE MIKADO'S PALACE.
LADIES OF THE MIKADO'S COURT PERFORMING THE BUTTERFLY DANCE.
THE TYCOON'S MESSENGERS READING THE SENTENCE.