Japanese Noh Theatre – Kanze School Chant Books, 1977 & 1979, Two Vintage Volumes with Original Slipcase

Original Japanese Noh theatre books published in Tokyo in 1977 and 1979, belonging to the centuries-old theatrical tradition of the Kanze school.
1285 numbered pages, with the original folding reference chart and cardboard slipcase.

Noh is one of Japan's oldest surviving forms of theatre. Its classical tradition took shape in the 14th and 15th centuries through Kan'ami and his son Zeami, whose work established the foundations of Japanese Noh drama. The Kanze school, founded by Kan'ami, has preserved and transmitted this theatrical repertoire through successive generations.

These two books contain original Japanese performance texts from that tradition, including classical Noh plays, shorter vocal passages and notation for chanting.

The larger volume, Kanze-ryu Yokyoku Hyakuban-shu (1977), is a collection of one hundred Noh plays edited by Kanze Sakon, the 24th head of the Kanze school. This is the 55th printing of the Taisei edition, published by Hinoki Shoten. It includes a folding reference chart classifying Noh plays by season and performance level. The book has an embossed hardcover and its original cardboard slipcase.

The smaller volume, Kanze-ryu Taiseiban Koyobon (1979), contains selected short chant passages from the Noh repertoire. It is a separate publication from the same publisher, made in traditional Japanese thread-bound format.

Together, the books document the preservation and practical transmission of a theatrical tradition extending from medieval Japan into the twentieth century.

Both are original Japanese-language printed editions, sold together as a pair.

Material and Technique

Printed ink on paper.

Large volume: embossed hardcover with original cardboard slipcase and folding reference chart.

Small volume: traditional Japanese thread-bound paper binding (watoji).

Size

Large volume: approx. 16 × 11 cm.

Small volume: approx. 13 × 10 cm.

Condition

Good vintage condition.

Both books show age-related wear and some discoloration. The large volume retains its original slipcase, which has edge wear and small tears. The smaller book has visible cover wear and occasional spots. A previous owner's inscription is present in the large volume.

Please examine the photographs for details.

Shipping

Safe and tracked shipping from Latvia. Protective packaging.

For US buyers: US customs processing is prepaid through the shipping service, so no additional customs processing payment is required upon delivery.