A. A. Vantine & Company's Wonderbook 'Oh, Fair (?) Japan'

A poem written about a romanticized view of Japan. Around the poem are sketches of Asian objects, and a label that says 'two views of Japan'
A poem written about a romanticized view of Japan. Around the poem are sketches of Asian objects, and a label that says 'two views of Japan'

Transcription

Two Views of Japan Oh, Fair Japan “oh, fair Japan; Oh, rare Japan Though land of ancient trees, Where lotus blossoms fringe thy paths And perfume every breeze.

“Where lilies bend their fragrant heads To kiss thy plashing streams, and dark-skinned musme, almond-eyed, Wake long forgotten dreams.

“Thy hills, crown-capp’d with sacred groves Inclose thy gilded shrines; In grottos where the iris blooms Droop sweet wistaria vines.

“Mysterious languor seems to hang O’er mountain, plain and rill; An unreality of life, Does all the sense fill.

“Thine ancient shrines to Buddha blest, With Shinto’s gilded spires, Proclaim a soul-sustaining rest, And wake poetic fires.

“Oh, sweet it is to dwell with thee! ‘Land of the Rising Sun,”– Where beauty, art and myster Combine themselves in one.” Continued on last page.