Title
Gozen Honzō or Gyozen Honzō (Edible Plants, Herbs, Animals in Ryūkyū Prepared for the Lord of Ryūkyū or Traditional Pharmacognosy of Food for Lord of Ryūkyū 御膳本草): Nakagusuku Odon (Possession of Lord Nakagusuku 中城本)
Creator
Date
1823
Format
Description
1v. 138 leaves. Manuscript; ink on washi. 20.5cm x 28.0 cm. Japanese binding. Sakamaki/Hawley Collection. A physician, Tokashiki Pēchin Tsūkan, went to China at the age of 23 and studied medicine. He returned to Ryūkyū when he was 34 and began practicing medicine for the Lord of Ryūkyū and his family. Although it is recorded that Tsūkan authored several medical books such as on the treatment of measles and herbal medicines, none have been found except Gozen Honzō.
The Gozen Honzo explains the types and uses of edible plants and animals, including grains, fruits, vegetables, melons, fungi, seaweeds, fowl, wild game, domesticated and wild animals, fishes, shellfish and other marine creatures. A number of sections describe methods for preparing foodstuffs, alcoholic beverages, sauces, etc. A book seal in the manuscript reads "Nakagusuku odon," which proves that the book was once owned by Lord Nakagusuku. In Okinawa, diet is believed to contribute to longevity and this oldest book on Okinawa's food is again being studied by many people around the world.
The Gozen Honzo explains the types and uses of edible plants and animals, including grains, fruits, vegetables, melons, fungi, seaweeds, fowl, wild game, domesticated and wild animals, fishes, shellfish and other marine creatures. A number of sections describe methods for preparing foodstuffs, alcoholic beverages, sauces, etc. A book seal in the manuscript reads "Nakagusuku odon," which proves that the book was once owned by Lord Nakagusuku. In Okinawa, diet is believed to contribute to longevity and this oldest book on Okinawa's food is again being studied by many people around the world.
Is Part Of
Asia - Japan Collection, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library
Page Location
101