1910 Rare Book - Japanese Fairy Tale Series No. 20, The Enchanted Waterfall

Author: Kate James. Illustrated by T. Hasegawa.
Title: The Enchanted Waterfall (Japanese Fairy Tale Series No. 20).
Publisher: Tokyo, T. Hasegawa, no date (1910).
Language: Text in English.
Size: 6 X 4 inches.
Pages: Unpaginated ( 20 pages).
Binding: Attractive and very good original Japanese crepe paper binding, traditionally string-tied with vibrant red silk thread. The front cover features a delicate color woodblock illustration depicting a dramatic scene from the fairy tale, with stylized Japanese script. The rear cover bears an intricate floral design in soft beige tones (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. 
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown, name of a previous owner in the blank upper margin of the first page - as shown). 
Illustrations: Beautifully illustrated with exquisite color woodblock prints that bring the tale to life. These intricate hand-colored illustrations reflect the traditional Japanese ukiyo-e style, showcasing fine details and vibrant hues that enhance the storytelling experience.

 The book: A captivating entry in the famed Japanese Fairy Tale Series published by T. Hasegawa, this enchanting tale recounts the story of a humble woodcutter who stumbles upon a mystical waterfall with magical properties. As he discovers its secret, the young man’s life takes an unexpected turn, leading to a heartwarming lesson on kindness and virtue. The use of crepe paper—a hallmark of Hasegawa’s publications—adds a tactile, almost ethereal quality to the book, making it a cherished collector’s item.

The author: Kate James was an early contributor to the Japanese Fairy Tale Series, helping to bring the rich folklore of Japan to English-speaking audiences. Though little is known about her, her adaptations of traditional Japanese stories have endured as beloved classics of cross-cultural literature.

The illustrator: T. Hasegawa, the pioneering publisher behind this series, was renowned for his innovative use of chirimen-gami (crepe paper) books, which allowed for durability and a luxurious aesthetic. His beautifully produced editions played a significant role in introducing Japanese fairy tales to the Western world, making them highly sought-after by collectors and scholars alike.