The Twelve Horary Signs—Chinese Zodiac, 2000
Miniature version: 1 3/16 by 1 3/16; micro-miniature: .95x.95mm).
(Tokyo: Toppan Printing Co.)
997
(16)pp. Two volumes. According to the accompanying prospectus, this ultra-micro miniature containing the Chinese zodiac was the 2000 Guinness World Records holder for the smallest precision-printed book in the world,...
(16)pp. Two volumes. According to the accompanying prospectus, this ultra-micro miniature containing the Chinese zodiac was the 2000 Guinness World Records holder for the smallest precision-printed book in the world, measuring a mere .95mm square. Remarkably, each page of this speck of a book bears an illustration of the animal representing a zodiac sign, along with the name of the animal in both English and Japanese. The book is housed within a compartment in a round plastic case that can be opened or sealed by means of a clear, rotating cover. A larger version of the book in full red morocco accompanies the micro-miniature, along with a brass-colored magnifying glass on a chain. The micro-miniature in plastic case, larger version, and magnifying glass are all housed in a velvet-lined clasping box, the exterior of which is in gilt-decorated red leather, and this in turn is housed in a tray case within a paper-covered folding box bearing the Printing Museum's logo in gilt on the cover. Published to commemorate the centennial anniversary of Toppan Printing and the opening of the Printing Museum in Tokyo. All items mint. (Bromer and Edison, pp. 120-121). (Miniature version: 1 3/16 by 1 3/16; micro-miniature: .95x.95mm).