EDO PERIOD (18TH CENTURY)

Bunsho-zoshi is one of the otogi-zoshi [medieval tales] compiled in the Muromachi period and popularised in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is the story of a temple servant, Bunta (who subsequently changed his name to Bunsho), who becomes an imperial court minister due to his honesty and hard work. It was customary to commission sets of handscrolls such as this to give to girls at New Year, or as dowry gifts to encourage virtuous behaviour.