青幻舎 SEIGENSHA Art Publishing

Hanji-e, pictorial puzzles, were a popular brain-teasing amusement among the common people during Japan’s Edo period (1603-1867). Presented in traditional Iroha order, this volume contains 500 examples of these curious and challenging puzzles.

Elaborately conceived works in their own right, these hanji-e were created by ukiyoe artists using diverse patterns and designs. An entertaining look at the sophisticated customs and humorous sensibilities of the common people of Edo Japan.