Kobandai-san, the shape before the collapse of 1888 eruption : The pictures of Bandai Volcano of Mrs. Otomo Takino's possession in the Late Edo era

Abstract

Kobandai-san was a mountain peak which was a part of Bandai Volcano. It disappeared when the mountain collapsed on July 15, 1888. A writer discovered pictures in which the shapes of the Kobandaisan were drawn before the disappearance. These pictures are illustrations of the "Shinpen Aizufudoki" from Mrs. Otomo Takino. There are two drawing of Kobandaisan in this illustration. These pictures were drawn surrounding Bandai volcano. One drawing is of the northwestern side from the south side of Bandai Volcano. One more drawing is of the north side from the east of Bandai Volcano. Through inspection, it is understood these the shapes of Kobandai-san were drawn before the collapse of 1888 eruption. From these shapes of Kobandai-san, we can infer "The top part of Kobandaisan consisted of three peaks", and " There was a big dale between Kushigamine and Kobandai-san". For this reason, "Shinpen Aizufudoki" kept by Mrs. Otomo Takino are very important materials for the recreation of the form of Kobandai-san.