A physician made famous in Mori Ogai’s historical novel
SHIBUE Chusai
1805-1858
Name
Name: Kaneyoshi
Pen name: Chusai
Childhood name: Tsunekichi
Bynames: Dojun or Shiryo
Occupation
Physician, bibliographer.
Biographical Sketch
The name Shibue Chusai is best known for being the subject of a historical novel by Mori Ogai, which begins “Thirty-seven years went by in the wink of an eye. Studying medicine and working as a physician, I developed my modest faculties. I left prosperity to fate. I cherished my leisure and never begrudged my poverty. This verse of Shibue Chusai conveys his spirit.” Ogai wrote that while collecting official records of the Edo shogunate, he noticed that many were marked with Shibue's seal. Having become aware of Shibue's name, he learned more of the man by reading the Edo Kagamizu Mokuroku (Illustrated Catalogue of Edo) at the Imperial Library.
Chusai was born near the Kanda Benkei Bridge in Edo. For generations, the Shibue family had served the Hirosaki clan as physicians, and in 1822 Chusai was named chief physician. He studied medicine with Izawa Ranken as well as Confucianism with Kariya Ekisai and Ichino Meian. In 1844 he lectured at the Tokugawa shogunate medical school, and in 1849 was granted an audience with the Shogun. Not long thereafter, he contracted cholera and died at the age of 54.
Ex-libris Ownership Stamp
“渋江蔵書” (shibue zosho), “渋江氏珍玩” (shibueshi chingan), “三寿山房” (sanju sambo), “容安書院” (yoan shoin) are also known.
Reading and the size of the ex-libris ownership stamp
弘前醫官渋江氏蔵書記（hirosaki ikan shibueshi zosho ki）：43 x 21 mm
Collection
Chusai's collection of books was diverse, including volumes on medicine, philosophy, literature, history, plays, and old coins. During Chusai’s lifetime, his second son, Yasuyoshi, circulated some 35,000 volumes throughout Edo.
The NDL’s holds a number of books from Chusai’s collection, including the Song edition of “Sange Gion”, Monogatari Zoshi (illustrated tales), Kibyoshi (illustrated storybook), “Otoshibanashi Chuko Raiyu” edited by Samba.
