Seiyū roku: an English translation of the original 1836 Japanese edition
Full details
| English title | On oil manufacturing |
| Authors & editors | Ōkura, Nagatsune [Author] |
| Publisher | Olearius Editions |
| Year of publication | 1974 |
| Languages | English (main text) |
| Medium | Book |
| Edition | 1 |
| Topics | Food (non-cereal) processes > Edible oils |
| Tags | |
| Scope & content | This book explains and illustrates in detail three methods of traditional oil extraction in Japan: the Kantō method of oil extraction (pressing); the water-mill method of Sesshunada for cottonseed oil extraction; the Ōsaka extraction method to make sesame seed oil; and the secret of rapid refining. It describes the economic and working conditions in the Japanese oilseed trade in the 1830's. The detailed illustrations show people in traditional dress actively engaged in various tasks. The book also deals with oil assessment and provides a quick estimation of price comparisons between the Edo and Ōsaka oil markets. A comparative table of Japanese units of measurement and money from 1836 is given. The history of oil extraction is described from hazelnut oil manufactured c.200AD, perilla oil made from herbaceous seeds from the 9th century, to refined rapeseed oil which became the dominant oil as it could be produced in large quantities whilst maintaining its purity. A biography of the author, Ōkura Nagatsune (1768-c1856), agricultural technologist is provided by Richard C. Rudolph and a chapter by Professor Carter Litchfield, the editor, compares oilseed technology from Japan with European methods. |
Copies held
Accession no. 229964
- Shelf location: L400
- Donor: Michael Dufau
- Notes: The book comprises woodblock illustrations and text in the traditional Japanese 'ukiyo-e' style. The English text, illustrations and traditional page borders are presented in the same style, format and stitched binding as the original. The original illustrations by Matsukawa have been reproduced intact with English translations of the captions. The book is enveloped in a blue card folder fastened with 'bone' pegs.
