So begins the long list of house rules that has hung in the fabled antique shop called Bunnosuke since the mid 19th century. Bunnosuke was built in 1862 and is typical of old Japanese farmhouses. Although this style of business is intended for the buyer who knows what he wants, Mr. Sakai is happy to point out any number of special items for the novice who shows real interest in his collection. Hang your print for no more than three months out of the year, so that it will not age before your eyes.
Dry climates are better than rainy season because ukiyo-e are highly sensitive to humidity.
A moment later, he shows us a 300 year old samurai sword. But in my father's day, women were never allowed to touch swords. In the old days, more than a hundred years ago, we didn't use display cases. When customers came in, an assistant would go and greet them, and then he'd shout to a shop boy to bring out the particular items. Yes, there was certainly a lot of work for the shop boys.