1. [CHIYOGAMI ALBUM]. 90 PAGES OF EARLY MEIJI COLOR WOODCUTS. 24.5 x 35.5 cm. The design prints, where dated, indicate Meiji 12 [1879]. A very interesting album of "New Designs", so self-described and colorfully printed on chiyogami. Designs from this period are very unusual and ephemeral and this album provides an instructive view of the run-up to the golden age of Japanese design to come. A bit worn inside and out, the printing and colors are those of the period, intense and somewhat crude. $2,250.00
2. [EHON ‑ FACSIMILE] Suzuki HARUNOBU. EHON SEIRO BIJIN AWASE. Tokyo, Yoshikawa Kôbunkan, Taishô 6 [1917]. Large, 21.3 x 30.1 cm, string-bound Japanese-style, fukuro-toji with reprinted paper covers and applied printed title labels. The images from this famous 18th century work are redone by Kubota Beisai as part of his series of lovely re-imaginings of the classics of color ukiyo-e ehon. Complete in 5 volumes, as issued. Very good printings, very good condition. $750.00
3. [EHON - KANAZÔSHI]. KAMPAKU MONOGATARI. Also known as the JURAKU MONOGATARI. An early Edo-era kanazôshi genre story, here based on the bloody history of the Regent. Bound three volumes in one, 17 sheets; 22 sheets; 14 sheets. 26.8 x 18.5 cm., with one original printed title label tipped on to the inner pastedown of the front cover. String-bound Japanese-style, fukuro-toji. A slip from the Japanese bookseller (1950's?) indicates this edition (a "new printing", i.e., shimpan) was done about 1687. The original edition is a great rarity, being done in moveable type in the 1620's. In any case there are six double page and twelve single page woodcuts in the vigorous st
yle of the Yoshida Hambei school, though without his characteristic spikey foliage.
Approximately one third of the book (including several illustrations) is supplied in manuscript - the original printed version being gone. One may assume that the manuscript portion was done early on, and would seem to have been done by one Kôdô Tokuchi. The work is signed and sealed by him.
As such, this is a noble fragment, an interesting example of early Edo printing. Sold with all faults. $650.00
4. [EHON ‑ SHUNGA] Anonymous. SHUNSHOKU KOI NO SHIKIRI. N.P. [Tokyo?] N.D. [late Meiji?] Orihon bound in silk brocade with printed paper title label. With ten double-page color woodcuts of couples, as well as a double page illustration of various implements of pleasure by way of prologue and two double pages of elegantly calligraphed afterword. As is usual with the genre, there is no colophon or attribution of the art, but the style, dialogue and the faces and poses are very reminiscent of the Utamaro school. The couples are elegant, well-posed and surrounded by the printed text of their intercourse, verbal and otherwise. A few repaired folds, and one print has internal repairs, nevertheless very good, in very good impression and colors. $2,850.00
5. [EHON - SHUNGA] Utagawa KUNISADA. ENSHOKU SHINA SADAME. n.p., n.d. [Edo, c. 1850's]. 3 vols., string-bound Japanese-style, fukuro toji. Printed paper covers with original printed title labels. 25.2 x 18.1 cm. For much on this important and representative work, see Roger Keyes' recent ehon catalog at the NYPL, pp. 226-229. In a fitted wooden box. Frankly, not as pristine a copy as the Spencer collection copy, with a bit of external wear to the covers and some slight internal thumbing, but still a lovely copy of this late Edo shunga. The decorative use of drapery and flat bold colors is Kunisada at his most representative in this genre. 3 vols. complete. $6,500.00
6. [EHON] Aikawa Minwa, artist. TSÛSHIN GAFU. Osaka: Bun'eidô. Bunsei 2 [1819] 24.7 x 17.9 cm. String bound fukuro-toji style in brown covers with a paper label. Complete as issued. Probably a Meiji reprint of this interesting black and white woodcut work. [Mitchell p.543] Good impressions, very good condition. $175.00
7. [EHON] Asai Chû, artist. TÔSEI FÛZOKU GOJÛ-BAN UTA-AWASE. [Modern Customs in a Comparison of 50 Pairs of Poems]. Tokyo: Yoshikawa Hanshichi, Meiji 40 [1907] 2 vols., 24.7 x 18.4 cm. 50 pairs of caricatures, with accompanying poems, all in color woodcut. There is worming in volume one, very slight worming in volume two with some modest staining of the cover to volume one. The impressions and colors are very good. This is a copy of the first edition, which preceded the Unsôdô of Kyoto reprint from the original blocks.
Asai Chû (1856-1907) was one of the two (with Kuroda Seiki) most important oil painters of late Meiji era Japan. This work is in his "Haiga" literati mode and represents his most important foray into book illustration. Ref: Mitchell, p.534.
An increasingly scarce book. Complete. SOLD
8. [EHON] Asai Ôsui, artist. SANSUI GAFU Zen. Tokyo: Kobayashi Kichigorô, Meiji 12 [1879]. Small format, 22.4 x 14.4 cm, green covers, printed paper title label, string-bound Japanese style, fukuro toji. Black and white woodcut illustrations throughout, building up from simple design elements to complete landscapes in a modified nanga style with Maruyama elements. Some spotting to the covers and general wear. The impressions are good to very good. Mitchell pp. 459-60. Complete. $275.00
9. [EHON] BUSON, et al. YAHAN‑O HAISEN‑CHO. Kyoto & Tokyo, Meiji 44 [1911] Fan format, black and white woodblock prints in paper over stiff covers, orihon. Printed paper title label. The haiga portraits and sequence are the same as in the HAIKAI SANJÛ-ROKKASEN of 1799. (See Mitchell p. 551, for a detailed description of this book.) In very good condition and impressions, the covers are a bit worn. $485.00
10. [EHON] Chikusô BANSHÔDÔ, artist. BANSHÔDÔ GADEN. 3 vols., Kyoto: Hishiya Magobei, Bunka 9 [1812] 27.3 x 18.8 cm. Black + white woodcuts of Chinese worthies with brief biographies. Identical to the copy at Mitchell p.220. Very good condition, good impressions. In a blue cloth folding clasped box with printed title label. $425.00
11. [EHON] Fujiwara Masaomi, author; Kita Busei, artist. KASEN KASHÔ. n.p., preface dated Bunka 7 [1810]. 19.7 x 29.3 cm., string-bound Japanese-style, fukuro toji, original covers with original printed title label. See Ryerson 396 for a defective copy. Our copy is complete with 3 preliminary sheets and 20 sheets of color woodblock illustrations of the 36 poets. Interesting colors, well-printed. In very good condition with slight soiling but very pleasing effect overall. By no means common either in Japan or abroad. In a clasped chitsu case. $5,850.00
12. [EHON] Hanabusa Itchô. GUNCHÔ GA‑EI. Edo, Mankyûdô
Hanabusa Heikichi, An-ei 7 [1778]. Gappon, bound three vols in one, in original covers and printed title label, string-bound, Japanese-style, fukuro toji. 17.6 x 25.9 cm. Well-printed b+w woodcut images interpreted by Suzuki Rinsho after designs by the estimable Itchô (1652-1724), all of whose books are posthumous. In a light and quick style. This is a pleasant early impression. The copy at Ryerson 329 was published by Yamashiroya Sahei. Our copy, though it shares the same date of publication, was published by Mankyûdô [Hanabusa Heikichi], a relatively obscure firm in Edo, that appears to have been active during the first part of the 19th century. Slight wear to the covers, but overall in good or better condition. A lovely and scarce work. In a clamshell case with leather label. SOLD
13. [EHON] HEIAN MEISHÔ. Kyoto, Meiji 33 [1900]. Oblong folding album, 31.5 x 21.4 cm. Raw silk over stiff covers, printed paper title label. 12 oblong woodblocks of scenes around Kyoto, by artists of the period, including Hôbun, Keinen, Sôbun, Gyokusen, Seihô, Shônen, etc. Very nice impressions and colors. One corner slightly bumped, else very good condition. SOLD
14. [EHON] Hiroshige, artist. EHON EDO MIYAGE, Yom-pen. Edo: Kikuya Kôsaburo, et al., n.d. (1850's). String-bound, Japanese-style, fukuro-toji, printed paper title label. Small format (18 x 12.3 cm) color illustrations of views of Edo, undertaken by Hiroshige. There are 5 single page and 22 double page color woodcuts. The impressions are good to very good and the book overall is in good condition with a bit of edgewear. [Ryerson p.298] Volume Four, of a total of ten published over the course of at least a decade, a classic work in Hiroshige's inimitable style. SOLD
15. [EHON] Ichiyôsai Toyokuni. TOYOKUNI TOSHIDAMA HITSU [FUDE?] Owari [Nagoya], Minoya Iroku & Minoya Bunjirô. n.d. [1830's or 40's?] Dark grey-green covers, string-bound Japanerse-style, fukuro toji. Printed paper title label. This book may be found described bibliographically in Forrer's EIRAKUYA TOSHIRO at pp.243-4. Our copy differs a bit from the copies described in Forrer, but is a fresh clean copy in good colors and fair to good impression. Color printed throughout, an unusual title. $475.00
17. [EHON] KANGA SÔGAKU. Osaka, Maekawa Zembei, Meiji 13 [1880]. 4 volumes. String-bound fukuro-toji style, without the printed paper labels. Each volume is 12.1 x 19.7 cm. A "QUICK STUDY" [SÔGAKU] guide to "CHINESE-STYLE PAINTING" [KANGA] with woodcut illustrations and text in Japanese and Kambun Chinese. Our copy resembles the one exhaustively described at Mitchell p. 336. Very good impressions and condition in the original worn blue cloth chitsu clasped [one clasp missing] case with printed paper title label. The first series, complete. $325.00
18. [EHON] KANGA SÔGAKU SANSUI-FU. Osaka, Maekawa Zembei, Meiji 13 [1880]. 4 volumes. String-bound fukuro-toji style, without the printed paper labels. Each volume is 12.1 x 19.7 cm. A "QUICK STUDY" [SÔGAKU] guide to "CHINESE-STYLE PAINTING OF LANDSCAPE" [KANGA SANSUI-FU] with woodcut illustrations and text in Japanese and Kambun Chinese. Volumes 3 and 4 are particularly lovely, with fully developed small scale nanga illustrations. Our copy resembles the one exhaustively described at Mitchell p. 336-37, save that our colophon is dated Meiji 13 [1880] not Meiji 14 [1881]. Very good impressions and condition in the original worn blue cloth chitsu clasped [one clasp missing] case with printed paper title label. The second series, complete. SOLD
19. [EHON] KANSAI GAFU Ippen. Tokyo, Meguro Jûro, Meiji 24 [1891]. String bound Japanese-style, fukuro toji. Title label missing. Covers rough, but the interior is clean and the printing and colors good. Very unusual work. Not in any of the standard references, Kansai appears to have been a late student of Hokusai who carries his style forward credibly. Slight, but interesting. $185.00
20. [EHON] Katsushika HOKUSAI, artist. DÔCHÛ GAFU, Zen. Kôgetsudô Bunsuke, Nagoya, 1835. 22.6 x 15.8 cm. Orange covers, printed paper title label. 34 sheets of double page illustrations, covering views on the Tôkaidô road. As Matthi Forrer devotes an entire chapter to the publishing history of this book in his EIRAKUYA TÔSHIRÔ, it should be sufficient to state that this is the variant Kôgetsudô issue, with only part of the banner present at Kawasaki. Hence it probably dates from the 1850's or 60's. The colors throughout are very light. Though the book is complete in its original covers, it is quite worn and thumbed. Despite the poor condition, it still shows why this is one of the loveliest of Hokusai's books. $650.00
21. [EHON] Katsushika HOKUSAI, artist. EHON SAKIGAKE Ni-Hen (EHON MUSASHI ABUMI). Osaka: Akitaya Tazaemon, Tempô 7 [1836]. Hanshihon, 22.7 cm x 16 cm. Green covers with wave pattern. in blind. Printed cover title label. Entitled SAKIGAKE Ni-Hen on the hashira of the sheets of images [14 double page and 2 single page] and EHON MUSASHI ABUMI on the hashira of the colophon. The sequel to the warrior book EHON SAKIGAKE, published the same year, obviously meant to be the beginning of a lengthy series, which was never completed, though EHON WAKAN NO HOMARE, a sort of visual sequel, did finally get published in 1850. [Same as Ryerson 263, save that this copy's lead publisher is Akitaya of Osaka, not Kobayashi Shimbei of Edo.]
The second volume (only) of a two volume version of this work. The impressions are among the best we have seen for this title. An unusual, early copy of an important book - considered Hokusai's best work in the warrior genre. Volume 2 (of 2). SOLD
22. [EHON] Katsushika HOKUSAI. EHON JÔRURI ZEKKU. Kadomaruya Jinsuke, Edo and Matsuya Zembei, Nagoya, Bunka 12 [1815]. 16.6 x 22.5 cm. The text is by Hokutei [Maki] Bokusen. Illustrated in black and white, with grey blocks as well (there is a color version from the same period). With what appears to be the original covers, but missing the title label. Someone has hand-brushed a date of Tempô 14 [1843] on the cover, but this issue appears closer to the original publication date. See Brown 183,4; Ryerson 256. There is a bit of marginal worming and thumbing, but overall good condition with the original title page and colophon seals. A fair to good early impression. Quite scarce. $1,250.00
23. [EHON] Katsushika HOKUSAI. EHON KÔKYÔ Jô, Ge. Suharaya Shimbei, "Saihan" Genji 1 [1864]. 2 vols., 22.8 x 15.6 cm. Grey-green covers with printed paper title labels, subtle patterning. String-bound Japanese style, fukuro toji. Text by Takai Ranzan, illustrations of this illustrated epitome of Confucius by Hokusai in his late rambunctious style reminiscent of his work for the EHON SAKIGAKE, etc. Interesting copy in that it may clarify some conjecture about the actual original printing of this work. The colophon lists the original printing date as Kaei 2 [1848], though the preface is dated Tempô 5 [1834]. One need only refer to the belated printing of the third volume of the 100 Views of Fuji for precedent. Good printing, very good condition - actually quite an unusual book in the marketplace. Complete. $585.00
24. [EHON] Katsushika HOKUSAI. EHON TEIKIN ÔRAI Zen. Nagoya: Eirakuya Tôshiro. N.D. [Probably 1840's - originally published in 1820's]. 22.7 x 15.6 cm. String-bound, Japanese-style, fukuro toji. Each of the three volumes consists of thirty sheets, making for a total of 90 sheets and nearly 200 Hokusai designs - landscapes, genre scenes, historical vignettes, fish, flowers, etc., etc. This guide to domestic behaviour with its charming illustrations is by no means common. Our copy is bound three volumes in one (as the Eirakuya editions are) with the original covers and printed paper title label. The Eirakuya editions, of which this is an early example, reprinted the volume one, done some 20 years earlier by Eijûdô of Edo, but then added two more volumes worth of new material. Our copy is a Forrer F-23a, without the second preface, thus probably dating from the late 1840's.
The impressions in the first volume are good only, but are better in volumes two and three, as you would expect from the work's bibliographic history. All in all a remarkable archive of images. The blue-green covers are bit soiled, there is a wormtrack through the first few pages, but overall in good condition. $875.00
25. [EHON] Katsushika HOKUSAI. HOKUSAI ONNA IMAGAWA. N.P.; N.D.; [Eirakuya Tôshiro, Nagoya; late 1830's?] String-bound Japanese-style, fukuro toji, printed title label, 22.7 x 15.7 cm. A nice impression in b+w of this classic work, illustrated by Hokusai. The ad on the inside back cover is Forrer's #29, placing it as an early and unusual variant reprint of the first edition with the streaked yellow covers and no preface as he describes in the Eirakuya bibliography. Some outside wear and soiling, otherwise very good. An unusual Hokusai work, usually only seen in tired late Edo editions. $650.00
26. [EHON] Katsushika HOKUSAI. JÔRURI ZUE 2 vols. n.p., n.d. [c. mid-Meiji, 1890?] 25 x 16.8 orihon folding albums in stiff paper covers with printed paper title lables. Extremely lovely delicate color printing of this recut version of the JÔRURI ZEKKU of 1815. Retains the images and the text from the original, in slightly different format. Good example of Meiji printing at a high level. Condition very good, as are the colors and impressions. $685.00
27. [EHON] Katsushika HOKUSAI. Katsushika Tame‑itsu Iboku HOKUSAI SHIN HINAGATA Zen. Nagoya: Eirakuya Tôshirô. 22.6 x 15.7 cm, string-bound fukuro toji Japanese style. A compendium of Hokusai designs, first published in 1836, here reprinted by Eirakuya Tôshirô about 1875 [Forrer G60]. In very good condition in the original orange covers with printed paper title label. A by no means common work in a good late impression. $385.00
28. [EHON] Kawamura Bumpô, artist. TEITÔ GAKEI ICHIRAN. Osaka & Kyoto: Morimoto Tasuke (O), Chôjiya Genjirô (K), Yoshida Shimbei (K) 1809 - [1816] 4 volumes. 25.5 x 16.5 cm. This set is identical to the Mitchell copy (p.518,519), save for the following: 1) There is no separate ad page before the colophon at the end of volume two; 2) Most of the poems in volumes three are sealed, while the Mitchell copy's were not. 3) Chôjiya Genjirô replaces Ogawa Tazaemon of Osaka as second publisher in volume two. 4) The format of the colophon in volume four is almost identical to that of volume two and is dated 1809, including an ad for all three volumes of BUMPÔ GAFU as being in production, hence the ad had to be after 1813. Ogawa Tazaemon is listed as the second publisher.
In any case, Chôjiya Genjirô appears to have published some other Bumpô titles (see Mitchell/Ryerson). This is a handsome printing, particularly of the final two volumes, of intermediate age (late 1820's?, early 1830's?) The first two volumes are lovely as well and printed in a "Bunka style" and coloration. In addition, the covers, though apparently original and consistent (vols. 1&2 and 3&4 are identical) do not appear to have been published at the same time, i.e., these books don't appear to have been issued as a mid-century four volume set (as most sets seen in the market appear to be). A few images have a color block or two missing, but overall quite handsome and effective.
There has been a theory advanced that Chôjiya Genjirô had not been involved with Bumpô's books until after 1837 [Ellis Tinios of Leeds in Print Collector's Quarterly, 9/94] - this set would seem to indicate a slightly earlier involvement.
In a 20th century clasped chitsu case. The condition of the books with original title labels is quite clean. $1,100.00
29. [EHON] KAWAMURA Bumpô. KANGA SHINAN NIHEN. Kyoto: Hishiya
Magobei, n.d. 3 vols. Though the afterword is dated 1810, this copy does not have the 1811 colophon listing several other booksellers besides the principal publisher, Hishiya Magobei. Rather the colophon lists Hishiya Magobei, alone. Our assumption from the colors and the colophon is that this is a somewhat later edition. A very clean and pleasant copy. 26 x 17.5 cm. String-bound, Japanese style in yellow covers with paper labels. This "second series" of the KANGA SHINAN [Manual of Chinese-style Painting] was the only one illustrated by Bumpô and was published over thirty years after the first series, so it obviously stands on its own as an independent work. The simple designs are in sumi and light colors. The condition of the three volumes is very good (one title slip missing) in fair to good impression. One of the scarcer of Bumpô's works. [Mitchell p.335, Ryerson 385, Brown 104] Complete, as issued. $985.00
30. [EHON] Kawamura BUMPÔ, artist. BUMPÔ GAFU Zen. Osaka & Kyoto: Kawachiya Kihei & Yoshida Shimbei, Bunka 10 [1813] (Bunsei 7 [1824]). Blue-green covers with octagon design, bound Japanese-style, fukuro toji, original covers, and printed paper title label. 25.7 x 17.9 cm. 1 preliminary and 35 paginated sheets, 4 sheets of Yoshida Shimbei ads. Illustrations with light colors. The third series of a continuing work originally projected for 10 volumes, which was completed in 3. Good or better impressions, good colors, good condition with slight worming and soiling. There is a second colophon on the pastedown of the rear cover, this one of Yoshida Shimbei alone, dated Bunsei 7 [1824]. Thus, a fairly early printing of this work. $750.00
31. [EHON] Kawamura Kihô, artist. KIHÔ GAFU. Kyoto: Yoshida Shimbei, Bunsei 7, [1824]. 1 vol. (complete). 17.2 x 25.2 cm. 5 page prelims, 30 double page color woodblock prints, 1p final, colophon. The covers are greyish-blue with a blindstamped pattern of flowering gourds. The title label is supplied. The covers are a bit soiled and stained and the contents are lightly thumbed. Good to very good impressions and colors. Kihô was the adopted son of Bumpô and his work rivals Bumpô's in freshness and simplicity.
This copy is a bit anomalous: It differs from Mitchell's examples "A" and "B". Obviously, the Bunsei 7 data on the colophon is earlier than the Mitchell examples and matches the date of the preface. At the same time, the two seals on the preface are missing. And, of course, the covers are different. Compared to an "A" example in our stock, the color choices are different, though on average equally light. However, the paper is thinner and softer, leading to a more "crumbly" effect in printing. The few tiny border breaks are pretty much identical in the two examples and apparently the number of blocks used is the same. (Ref: Mitchell pp. 360, 1; Brown p. 105; Ryerson p. 388; Kerlen #839) Obviously, a very interesting example of this lovely book.
This particular copy is also distinguished by the fact that it was presented by W.H. deRoos to Sekaguchi Tamotsu and has his inscription, dated July 27, 1959, on the inner part of the clasped chitsu case. $1,350.00
32. [EHON] KEISAI Masayoshi, artist. KEISAI RYAKUGASHIKI Nihen. Tôto: Yamashiroya, Kaei 4 [1851]. Small format string-bound collection of images, printed in color woodcut and bound fukuro toji style. 17.8 x 11.8 cm. 20 sheets of prints with a one sheet preface and a title page on the inside of the front cover. Orange covers with the original printed title slip. The second in a series of three volumes, complete in itself, after the famous ryaku-ga designs of Keisai, which were originally done in the late 18th century. Nicely printed and colored. The book is quite worn, with some page folds split and a bit of worming. Still an acceptable copy of this unusual edition, which is not in Mitchell or Ryerson. (Though see Ryerson 215 for what may be a related item.) $250.00
33. [EHON] Keisai Masayoshi, artist. SANSUI RYAKUGA SHIKI. Edo: Suwaraya Ichibei. Kansei 12 [1800]. 26.5 x 18.0 cm. 30 sheets. Printed floral pattern on the covers [probably not original, as the printed title on the inner front cover is not present in this copy]. 29 single page and 15 double page color illustrations. Ref. Brown p.124; Mitchell p.460,1; 93,4; Ryerson p.213; Hillier pp. 477,8, 480. This copy has a few stains and spots internally, and is a bit thumbed, but the printing is quite good. This book of landscapes is one of the loveliest of Keisai's works. $1,285.00
34. [EHON] KEISAI Masayoshi. Sanryô Gato KEISAI SOGA Shôhen Zen no date, Eirakuya Tôshiro, Nagoya. [c. 1820's] Has the phoenix and cloud blindstamped orange covers which Forrer calls for in the first edition in his Eirakuya bibliography, but a variant without the front and rear cover inner ads. However, our issue does have a copy of an Eirakuya 2 page book ad which lists the Hokusai Manga as published in 10 volumes, putting the ad date in the 1820's. An interesting printing technique, the small multicolored sketches are applied with a single block (a la poupee). Nicely printed and colored. Overall good condition with a bit of marginal thumbing. See Hillier & Smith 137. $675.00
35. [EHON] Kikuchi HÔBUN, artist. HÔBUN GAFU. Kyoto: Tanaka Jihei, Meiji 23 [1890]. 24 x 16.5 cm. 1 volume complete. Blue covers, string-bound Japanese style with a printed paper label. 27 single page and 12 double page woodcuts in sumi and light colors of birds, animals, flowers, etc. by Hôbun (1862-1918), a Kyoto native who was a frequent contributor to the artistic epitomes of the day. This copy is in very good condition and the impressions are good to very good. [See Mitchell 298,9] $485.00
36. [EHON] KIKUCHI Yôsai. KIKUCHI YÔSAI GAFU. 2 vols., Tokyo, Meiji 24 [1891], Ôkura Magobei. String bound, Japanese-style, fukuro-toji. Printed paper title labels, silk covered flexible covers. The remains of the original publisher's portfolio covers are present, though the hinges are split. The books themselves are very good, in like colors and impression. Color woodcut illustrations. Yôsai was familiar with the idioms of both Japanese and Western art. Not a particularly common work, Mitchell had not seen a copy but references Brown. Yôsai was enormously long-lived (1788-1878) and influential, with many important students to whom he stressed the importance of independence and individual creativity. $950.00
37. [EHON] Kitagawa UTAMARO. EHON MUSHI ERAMI One volume edition. Edo, Tsutaya Jûzaburô, Temmei 8 [1788], String bound Japanese-style, fukuro toji. 10 5/8" X 7 3/16" Original printed title slip, beige covers, hand-painted with a vegetal pattern. The famous Utamaro "insect book"- perhaps the best-regarded of his justly famous kyoka-bon. Has everything called for, text and images, of the earliest editions, but with different ordering (see below). Lovely colors, skillful printing, karazuri, mica effects throughout. The night scene with hotaru fireflies is darker than most copies and the fireflies' tails glow in the dark field of ink. Overall a worthy example of this, the earliest of Utamaro's nature based kyoka-bon and perhaps the finest of the genre ever produced. There was a recut edition with an 1823 colophon, as well as a Meiji edition - but early Tsutaya Juzaburo copies such as this one are much the best of the selection.
The bibliography of this book is very complex. It is complicated by the fact that sumptuary regulations (which prohibited such lavish productions) were imposed in 1790 and also by the fact that Tsutaya Juzaburo was punished for violation of those regulations and later died in 1797. After examination of 8 copies (including this one), my overall impressions are that the earliest copies have Chinese bellflower printed cover patterns, and are on lovely paper with mica effects and karazuri. These have, in addition, the preliminary note at the beginning and the final note at the end, after the 1788 colophon with Tsutaya Juzaburo's imprint (and in at least one case, an ad page for Tsutaya books, as well). This was followed very soon after by a two volume in one edition with the same colophon, but with the endnote at the very beginning,. It was also printed on fine paper with mica and karazuri effects, a different color palette using the original blocks and hand-painted covers in a vegetal pattern. That edition is represented by the copy which sold at the Hyde sale in New York in the 1980's and is identical to this copy.
One of the greatest of all the kyoka-bon ehon in a lovely, early version. $38,500.00
38. [EHON] KÔRIN SHINSEN HYAKUZU. Kyoto: Hosokawa. 2 vols., patterned paper covers, string-bound Japanese style, fukuro toji. In an edgeworn and splitting chitsu folding box with clasps missing. Printed paper title labels. 25 x 18.4 cm. Illustrated throughout in b+w woodcut, with designs by Suzuki Koson after Ogata Kôrin. See Mitchell, p. 377 for more on the original edition of 1864. About very good condition, fair to good impressions. Complete. $275.00
39. [EHON] Kôsai HOKKEI, artist. Shinsen KYÔKA GOJÛNIN ISSHU Kan. No place, no publisher on the colophon which is dated Bunsei 2 [1819]. 26.3 X 18.6 cm. Preface by Rokujuen. The 50 kyôka poets and their calligraphed verses are rendered in sumizuri. In the original blue/grey covers and printed paper title label. Minor thumbing, staining and wormholes, almost exclusively confined to the margins. Fair to good early impressions of this important and unusual work by Hokkei. #71 in Forrer's HOKUSAI AND HIS SCHOOL, Brown 187, Ryerson 273. KSSM II 490. Complete. SOLD
40. [EHON] Kôyôken, artist & editor. EHON MONO‑IU HANA. Kyoto, Tsuruya Kizaemon. n.d, 21.5 X 15.3 Seven double page images in b+w woodcut, depicting lovely ladies in lavish costumes, along with waka poetry inscribed on traditional cloud bands. Very elegant, lovely images. Not precisely Sukenobu in style, nor Harunobu, either, but designed by an 18th century ukiyo-e [Kansai area?] artist of considerable skill. Kôyôken, the author/artists nom-de-plume for this volume, is otherwise unknown. Only 2 copies are listed in the Kokusho Sômokuroku Union catalogue of pre-Meiji era imprints. [KSSM Vol.7, 14-1].
A little staining, but otherwise a good impression in good condition of this rare work. Original printed title label, perhaps original blue paper blind-patterned wraps, bound fukuro-toji Japanese style. $2,600.00
41. [EHON] Kumasaka TEKIZAN, artist. SANSUI KARA-E SHINAN Suharaya Môhei, et al., Ansei 4-5 [1857-8]. 2 volumes [Shohen, Ni-hen] Small format string-bound fukuro-toji binding in paper covers with a printed paper title label, 17.6 x 12 cm. Nanga-style color illustrations throughout. Mitchell refers to one volume in the BM. [Mitchell pp. 185, 460] Pleasant and gentle one page landscape studies. The condition is about very good, as are the colors and printing.
Nanga works are by no means common and this is a particularly lovely example of the genre. 2 volumes. $875.00
42. [EHON] KUWAYAMA Hyôshiro, artist. Kodai NIKKÔ GOHAN‑SHIKI NO ZU. Nikkô, Tochigi-ken, Kihira Kinshiro, Meiji 22 [1889]. Long woodblock printed scroll accordion-folded into cloth over board covers. No printed title label. Some 7 1/4" high, by over 40' long! Printed throughout in color woodblock. A folded panorama of the long traditional processional held every year at the Tokugawa tomb at the Tôshogu Shrine in Nikkô. Printed in Nikkô, it has a fresh and appealing naivete about it. Nice impressions, occasional weakness in the hinges, but overall very good. Quite unusual. $985.00
44. [EHON] Matsumura GOSHUN, artist. NIHON MEIGA KAGAMI Tokugawa Jidai. Tokyo: Tôyôdô Branch Shop, Kanda, Meiji 31 [1898]. Stamped in red on the title slip "Goshun-Ôeyama". Large, 25 cm x 18 cm orihon folding album. In embossed stiff creme paper covers. There are 12 double page color printed images. A pleasing Meiji rendition of Goshun's inimitable style. Particularly interesting as the images are freighted with bits and pieces of the whole 19th century development in the Shijô school: Suiseki, Chinnen, etc.
A by no means common work, identical to the copy at Mitchell 434, (see also Ryerson 378). The covers are soiled and a bit stained, internally very good. The impressions and colors are very good. Complete. $685.00
45. [EHON] Mikuma Katen, artist. KINSEI KIJIN‑DEN. Kyoto, Edo & Osaka. n.d. [1860's?]: 5 volumes, string-bound Japanese-style fukuro toji, in textured blue-grey covers with printed paper title labels. 40 single page and 2 double page b+w woodcuts, largely depicting the subject matter of the title: TALES OF ECCENTRICS FROM RECENT YEARS. Originally printed in 1790, this is a deservedly famous and oft-reprinted work in Japan. The KIJIN-DEN catalogues the eccentricities and eccentrics of the late 18th Century - a time of florescence of the "bunjin" literati ideal in Japan. The bunjin created an esthetically pure environment in the midst of the bustle (and corruption) of everyday life. The initial exemplars were those scholars and artists who withdrew from public life in China after the fall of the Ming Dynasty to the alien Manchus in the mid-17th Century. The KIJIN-DEN represents one of the efforts by the Japanese to domesticate a Chinese cultural import and find native representatives of the literati ideal.
The KIJIN-DEN is interesting for its exploration of the art world in Japan - for example, there is a domestic scene of the painters Ikeno Taiga and wife Gyokuran, among others. Indeed, there are many women depicted in the KIJIN-DEN. (See JAPANESE WOMEN ARTISTS 1600-1900) Also see Ryerson 416, Mitchell 364, Hillier/Ravicz 22.
The condition is very good overall, the printings are late (this edition being some 60-70 years after the original printing by Hayashi Bunkindô). There was a second series done some few years later, but this first series is complete as issued in 5 volumes. $1,350.00
46. [EHON] Mori Yûzan. KÔSHI HEISENZU. Kyoto, Meiji 26 [1893] 22.3 x 15.4 cm. 2 vols., orihon, folding albums in stiff paper covered boards with printed paper title labels. The inner cover illustrations are by Mori Kansai. Yûzan (Yûsen's son?), has here depicted the fires and social disorders at the end of the Edo period in Kyoto. It would appear that this is probably a color woodcut version of a scroll on the subject by Yûzan. 16 double page color illustrations (including one map of Kyoto). One illustration in vol. 2 has a small puncture, with some attendant creasing, but no loss. Unusual work, not in the usual Western references. Complete, very good. 2 volumes. $850.00
47. [EHON] Morikawa SÔBUN, artist. MIYAKO MEISHO NIJÛGO‑KEI. Kyoto: Tanaka Jihei, Meiji 28 [1895]. Orihon in stiff covers with a printed title label, 24.1 x 15.7 cm. 25 double page color woodblock images of scenes in and around Kyoto. Besides the 25 images, there is a two page preface, two pages of a table of contents, and a two page afterword by Tomioka Tessai. The delicate pastoral scenes are in Sôbun's unmistakable late Shijô/early Nihonga Kyoto style, and the printing is up to Tanaka Jihei's usual high standard.
This book appears in none of the standard references. Sôbun was an important artist of the period who contributed to several anthologies of the time, but no separate work by him appears in Ryerson or Mitchell.
The covers are quite worn and faded. There is very slight browning and soiling internally, but the condition is good to very good overall, and the impressions are very good. An unusual item. Complete.
$625.00
48. [EHON] NAKAMURA Fusetsu & KAWAHIGASHI Hekigotô. HAIGA HÔ. Tokyo: Kôkadô, 1909. 23 x 15.4 cm. String-bound Japanese style in flexible covers with stamped title. This visual and textual examination of the relationship between "haiga", haiku drawings, and the the haiku themselves was a collaborative effort between Fusetsu, a Western-style oil painter who was also perhaps the most eminent practitioner of haiga in his day, and Hekigotô, a noted haiku poet. They were both intimates of Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902) and leaders of the influential literary circle associated with HOTOTOGISU magazine. Counting the decorative title page, there are 13 full page color woodcuts after designs by Fusetsu, 40 calligraphed haiku by Hekigotô reproduced in woodcut and a 38 page scholarly discussion by Fusetsu, as well as a few collotypes. A remarkable piece both visually and for its significance for the development of a new literary and visual aesthetic for Japan in the 20th century. Overall, this copy is very good in rubbed covers. Enclosed in protective modern clasped chitsu case. $650.00
49. [EHON] Nishimura NANTEI. NANTEI GAFU. Kyoto, Kyôwa 4, [1804]. 3 vols. in one, gappon, in tan covers with a blindstamped vegetal gourd pattern. 25.8 x 18.2 cm. The printed paper label is present but chipped, the covers are soiled. Good printing with slight worming. Overall a good copy of this classic Shijô work. See Mitchell 432 for a description of this book. Our version is printed without the kyôka poems. Complete. $1,450.00
50. [EHON] Nishiyama KAN'EI, artist. KAN'EI GAFU. Osaka: Maekawa Zenbei, Meiji 19 [1886]. 28.4 x 18.1 cm. Orihon in brocade covers with 25 double page color woodcut prints of birds, flowers, etc. Wonderfully well printed. An excellent example of the genre which, save for a hint of foxing and soiling to one or two plates, is in very good condition. In a navy clasped chitsu case . See Mitchell 334. Complete. $1,250.00
51. [EHON] Ogata Kôrin, artist. KÔRIN JÛNIZU. [n.d; n.p; - Tokyo? Kyoto?, c.1895] orihon, 26.3 x 19.8 printed title on paper boards. Compiled by Hashimoto (Bakka?). 12 lovely full-color woodblock images after designs by the great early 18th century artist, Ogata Kôrin. One fold repaired else very good - very good impressions, excellent colors. Complete. $685.00
52. [EHON] Ônishi CHINNEN, artist. SÔNAN GAFU. Edo, Kobayashi Shimbei, Osakaya Genbei, Tempô 5 [1834]. 10 9/16" x 7 1/4" Original blue-green round vegetal patterns on yellow covers. No title label. Identical to the Mitchell copy at p. 500. Slight soiling, some minor paper restoration. Very good overall condition. The best colors and impressions with delicate bokashi we have ever seen of this cornerstone work of the Shijô school of illustration. Its famous print of mountain pines forms the cover illustration of Hillier's massive work on ehon. Complete. $7,500.00
53. [EHON] Ôishi Matora, artist. SOGA HYAKUBUTSU Zen. 2 vols in one, (as issued?) 22.3 x 16 cm, String-bound, Japanese-style, fukuro-toji. In original blue and white patterned covers, printed paper title label. Osaka: Bunkaidô, Tsurugaya Kuhei, Tempô 3 [1832]. [Brown, p.110; Ryerson, 391] The Mitchell copy at p.496 was bound in two volumes, but it seems that that may have been a later "splitting" of the original gappon publication (The 2 back covers didn't match the front ones - volume one had the title label, volume two did not....) In any event, our copy is complete in one volume with the inner front cover preface sheet, all the illustrations and the colophon.
Hillier appreciates this little-known work (THE ART.... p.794) and so do we.... from beginning to end a wonderful collection of free and vibrant genre scenes. Slightly soiled and thumbed but very good impressions and colors in overall good and original condition. Complete. $1,850.00
54. [EHON] Ôishi MATORA. SHINJI ANDÔ Zen Owari: Kôbaien n.d. [The preface is dated 1829]. 22.6 x 15.6 cm, fukuro toji, string-bound Japanese style. 22 sheets of black and white woodblock illustrations, most double-page in format. With an interesting combination of issue points compared to the Forrer "first" and "later" impressions. There are 22 sheets in all, but none are numbered. The illustrations are line only, with no coloration. The colophon does not have the Oishi Matora seal, though it does list the calligrapher. The title label makes no mention of "shohen." The covers are somewhere between green-spotted and green-streaked. There is an ad page inside the rear cover which makes no mention of Eirakuya, but does mention KEISAI SÔGA, shohen and nihen; IPPITSU GAFU, shohen and RYÔHITSU GAFU, shohen. An interesting good early impression, in slightly worn but still quite good condition. $385.00
55. [EHON] Shijô School Anthology. TAMA HIROI. Kyoto: Omiya Matashichi. 2 vols., String-bound Japanese style [fukurô toji], 25.8 x 17.1 cm. Identical to Mitchell's "Example A", the Omiya issue in two volumes, complete, with the red stamp on the inside back cover. All the prints, poems, finals, etc. are the same as the Mitchell copy. This variant issue is an excellent printing in good colors.
TAMA HIROI is an important anthology, providing exclamatory punctuation to the development of Edo Shijô book illustration. The quality of the technique would not be approached again until the heyday of Meiji color printing thirty years later when the aesthetic had been irrevocably transformed. Therefore, in our opinion, TAMA HIROI is a cornerstone piece in any Edo ehon collection. [Re: Mitchell p. 512,3; Brown 127; Ravicz 45; Hillier Vol.2]
Our copy has the original covers and title labels. It is a clean and well-printed copy of this important work. Complete.
$3,500.00
56. [EHON] Takashima HOKKAI, artist. ÔSHÛ SANSUI KISHÔ. Tokyo: Tôyôdô, Meiji 26 [1893]. 2 vols., 24.5 x 18 cm, orihon album, in silk over stiff paper covers, printed paper title label. Hokkai (1850-1931) was an important landscape artist (see Roberts, p.170). Neither Hokkai nor any of his works appear in any of the standard ehon references in English, which is odd considering the quality of this book and his eminence in Japan. The ÔSHÛ consists of a series of 40 double page color landscape woodcuts of France, Italy and Scotland. The emphasis is upon the mountains and hillsides, in short the nature of Europe, not its cities. A remarkable and very unusual work. Overall in fine condition with original fukuro dustwrapper and very good or better impressions. With Hokkai's red fish-shaped seals. $1,875.00
57. [EHON] Takeuchi Seihô, artist. SEIHÔ JÛNI FUJI. Kyoto: Yamada Naosaburô & Tanaka Jihei, Meiji 27 [1894] 22.7 x 32.5 cm Oblong orihon folding album of 12 full page color woodblocks with a one page preface and one page table of contents and a following colophon. In burlap cloth over boards covers with a silk title label. A very good copy of this work in good impressions and colors. [See Hillier's volume 2, p.991; Mitchell p.464; Brown p.202] $1,250.00
58. [EHON] Takeuchi Seihô, artist. SEIHÔ-GA HAKU HITSU JÛNISHI JO. n.p., n.p., n.d. [Kyoto & Tokyo: Yamada Unsôdô, c. 1910-1912] 37.4 x 25.5 cm Orihon folding album of 12 full page color woodblocks. In stiff paper over board covers with a printed paper title label. A clean copy in which the tiger and ox prints have paper repairs. A few worm holes. Good impressions and colors. This set of double oban size prints (with center fold) of the 12 animals of the Zodiac represents one of the scarcest and most desirable of all 20th century ehon. Takeuchi Seihô was a genius and his collaboration with Unsôdô a triumph. Mitchell did not see a copy but relied on the Ryerson description, Hillier did not see a copy. [Mitchell, p.464; Ryerson, p.428; Brown p.202] $2,250.00
59. [EHON] Tani BUNCHÔ, artist. SHAZANRÔ GAHON. Tôto [Edo];
Izumiya Tôjiro, Bunsei 9 [1826]. Original dark green/blue covers, printed paper title label. 27.2 X 18.8 cm. 5 pages of prefatory material are followed by 40 pages of sumi-e and color prints, mostly double page, sealed prints, then a one page afterword by Bunchô and a one page colophon/ad page by Izumiya. With the exception of one small spot of ink on one page and a few expertly repaired tears in the pages, about as nice a copy of this book as one could ever hope to find. We have compared it to a copy with the original 1816 colophon and found ours equivalent, if not actually a bit better, illustrating yet again the profound complexity of Japanese bibliography. This copy is printed on very thin paper, much thinner than the norm. The printing is very early and impeccable, the colors appropriate, the overall condition very good or better. In Bunchô's inimitable style reminiscent of his work for the MEIKA GAFU. $4,250.00
61. [EHON] TOKYO RAKUJI. n.p., n.d. [Tokyo, c. 1869] 7 3/4" x 5 1/4". As per the copies catalogued in Mitchell, p.532, our copy appears to be bound similarly and without a printed title slip. Illustrated in b+w woodcut by various artists. Very good printing and condition. Interesting view of the new Japan immediately after the Restoration. $875.00
62. [EHON] Torii KIYONAGA, artist. EHON MUCHI BUKURO. Tôto [Edo], Iseya, Temmei 2 [1782]. 2 vols. in one. Extremely rare color printed book of military scenes, rendered in Kiyonaga's wonderful style. Ten double page and three single page plates. Rubbed and a bit soiled, especially the first half of the work. With a [later] hand drawn sketch of a tiger on the cover which is quite lovely in and of itself. There is a copy of this work in the British Museum, but I have not been able to track down any other copies outside Japan and the KSSM only lists the copy in the Diet Library.. [See Hillier 383, 387 for more on this work]. As the covers are not original, the tobira, which had been laid down to the inner front cover, is missing as well, else complete. $3,850.00
64. [EHON] Tsuji HÔZAN, artist. BITCHÛ MEISHO ZUE [KÔ] 4 vols. N.P. Gyokushô-en, Bunsei 5 [1822]. 26.4 x 18.5 cm. String-bound Japanese style, fukuro-toji. Though the main copy catalogued in Mitchell is in 2 vols, hand cover-titled "KÔ", he acknowledges 4 volume copies as well, cover-titled "ZUE." All internal titling of this work is "KÔ" & "Jô-Ge", as well, leading one to infer that the original form of this work was the 2 volume binding. With blue grey plain paper covers, 18 double page illustrations, lightly colored (more lightly and more toward the blue range than the 2 volume version we have seen) In very good condition, colors and impressions. Has an advertisement for Suharaya Mohei and many other Edo, Kyoto, Owari and Osaka booksellers laid onto the inside back cover.
A very interesting and lovely work, at one time attributed to Suiseki, as the images are reminiscent of his work (and hence very good indeed), It has been established that Hôzan was not Suiseki, however, as his identity can be traced independently through contemporary sources. Complete, in a 20th century chitsu clasped case. Very scarce work. $2,950.00
65. [EHON] Tsukioka Settei. EHON SAGASHIGUSA [ONNA BUYÛ YOSO‑OI KURABE]. Edo: Suharaya Mohei & Osaka: Ôno Kihei, Meiwa 3 [1766]. 3 vols in one, string-bound Japanese-style in later covers with brushed title label. 26.8 X 18.4 cm, appears to be complete as gappon.
Settei here signs himself Tsukioka Masanobu. One of the finest and most powerful of the mid-18th century ukiyo-e masters. The line is virile, the compositions daring - a thoroughly satisfying work - BUT, though it has been repaired, many of the illustrations (at least a fifth of them) have been irremedially damaged. The first printing was issued in Hôreki 6 [1757], but this issue is also every well printed. Very scarce work - few copies are located in KSSM. $875.00
66. [EHON] Yamaguchi SOKEN, artist. SOKEN SANSUI GAFU. Heian [Kyoto]: Bunka 15 [1818]. 2 volumes, 26.1 x 18.1 cm, original green paper covers, blindstamped in a geometric pattern, original printed title slips, bound Japanese-style, fukuro toji. See Mitchell, p.499. See also Hillier, volume one, pp.537-9. A well-printed early copy, the covers are worn and stained, but the interior is very good. A handsome and important book of landscapes printed with great elegance. Soken was one of Maruyama Ôkyô's greatest disciples. 2 vols., complete. $1,850.00
67. [EHON] YAMASHIRO MEISHO FÛGETSU SHÛ. Kyoto, Torii Matashichi, Meiji 18 [1885]. 2 vols., complete, 26 X 17 cm. Yellow blindstamped pattern covers, printed paper title labels, string-bound Japanese-style, fukuro toji. Based on a reworking of the blocks from the 1861 work, TAMA HIROI (see # 55, above), here with different preliminaries and finals, different haiku poems and reordered images with additions. Hence, not a reprint but a recreation of that late Edo era masterpiece, brought forward into Meiji. Very good condition, impressions, color. Complete. See Mitchell 551-2. $1,600.00
68. [EHON] YAMAWAKI Seijun, editor & KOBAYASHI Sukenori, artist. BUKI NIHYAKU‑ZU. Kaei Gannen [1848]., 31.8 x 21.2 cm, string-bound fukuro-toji Japanese-style. Designed by Yamaguchi Mizosuke and published by Kôbujuku under government auspices. An interesting visual guide to the whole range of military tools, from ceremonial clothing to mountain redoubts, with the Japanese characters and readings for the two hundred exquisitely printed color woodcuts of swords, bows, armor, reins, cannons, castle designs, stirrups, etc., etc. With slight worming within and missing the original title label, else a beautiful example of this by no means common book. See the British Museum catalog of Japanese Books and Manuscripts (1898), pp. 61, 167. and v.7 p. 28 of the KSSM. In a custom clasped chitsu. $3,500.00
69. [EHON] Yanagawa Shigenobu, artist. YANAGAWA GAJO. Owari [Nagoya]: Minôya Iroku, Minôya Bunjirô, n.d., 22.8 x 15.7 cm. Red covers, paper label, 47 (+1) pages of color woodcut illustrations. [Ref: Forrer, pp.246,7] There is a title page on the front inner cover and a publishers' ad for six titles inside the rear cover.
Appears to be a reprint of this work which was originally issued by Eirakuya Tôshirô [Brown says 1821]. Our copy has the Eirakuya pattern in blind on the covers. The impressions and colors are fair to good. Complete in and of itself, though a sequel was advertised (unlocated). The back cover is badly waterdamaged, but the damage does not effect the contents. Not as common a book as might be expected. $175.00
70. [JAPANESE THEATRE] Shikitei Samba, author. SHIBAI KINMÔ ZU‑I. 8 volumes bound in 3. This encyclopedia of Kabuki by the great comic author Shikitei Samba is a novel approach to a reference work, combining a satiric and yet loving look at the actors on and off stage as if they were inhabitants of two separate countries, based on the model of earlier Sino-Japanese encyclopedic gazetteers (see Leutner's reference to the work in his SHIKITEI SAMBA AND THE COMIC TRADITION IN EDO FICTION). Samba's skill in humor is here combined with the artistry of Katsukawa Shun'ei and Utagawa Toyokuni. Toyokuni's actor's portraits and Shun'ei's detailed drawings of stage sets, hairdos, costume's, etc., etc. are fascinating and informative.
Though this copy has the colophon of the Bunka 3 [1806] edition, and a title page from the Tariro first edition of 1803, the impressions and covers seem to mark it as a much later impression, perhaps even a mid-century or later release. An important and quite unusual set, there are copies in both the Toda and Kerlen bibliographies, as well as citations in Hillier's ART OF THE JAPANESE BOOK. Overall, a very good copy in what appears to be original covers with original printed title slips. An important work for its intersection of important ukiyo-e artists, perhaps the most significant gesaku author of his day, and the heroes who strode the popular stage. Complete. SOLD
71. [JAPANESE TOYS] TAKEDA Shin'ichi. NIHON GANGU‑SHÛ. Kyôto, Unsôdô, Taishô 6 [1917]. 25 x 18 cm. 3 vols. The first two plate volumes have patterned paper over board covers, printed paper title labels. Bound orihon folding album style. There are eight pages of prefatory material followed by 78 color woodblock-printed images, some double page - depicting every sort of child's pastime from board games to hobby horses. Volume three is string-bound Japanese style in green paper covers with a printed paper label - the explanatory Japanese text describing the images. A well-printed and colorful overview of traditional toys in Japan. Very good condition, complete. $1,850.00
72. [KABUKI] Utei Enba, author & Katsukawa Shuntei, artist. Hana no Edo Kabuki NENDAIKI 9 volumes in 10, [KSSM 6-654-2] Osaka & Edo, Kawachiya Tasuke, Hachimonjiya Hachizaemon, Tsuruya Kiemon, Bunka 8 [1811]. 22.3 x 15.6 cm. All title labels present, original blue covers with blind-stamped vegetal roundels. A year-by-year record of the history of kabuki, covering the time from 1624 to 1810. Written by the humorist, poet and racounteur Utei Enba and illustrated by Katsukawa Shuntei, the ukiyo-e artist, in sumi-e black and white woodblock, this is a vital guide to this popular theatre art form as it developed during the Edo period. A good early edition (the title page identifies this as a "new impression" from 1815) of this important work. The covers are clean and original, the printing ranges from fair to very good with most of the impressions being good. A few stains internally, a few images in the last two volumes with some applied colors. Complete. $3,750.00
73. [WOODBLOCK ALBUM]. ÔSAKA‑JÔ HAKKEI [EIGHT VIEWS OF OSAKA CASTLE]. Oblong folio [25 x 35 cm], orihon in stiff silk-covered boards with a printed paper title label. Interspersed with text is a group of interesting color woodcuts depicting traditional views of Osaka Castle from various precincts of the city. One may only say that Osaka has changed in the interim. $650.00
74. [ZUIHITSU/ESSAYS] Sôyô Taneyuki, author. SÔYÔ-AN ISSEKI WA. Kyoto, n.d. (Preface dated Tempô13; [1842]) 3vols. Five volumes in three, as issued. String-bound fukuro toji Japanese style, 25.7 x 17.6 cm. Original printed paper title labels (jô, chû, ge) There are ten double page b+w woodcuts scattered through the text. Interesting observations of contemporary life in Japan. The covers are very worn, the contents thumbed. In a navy blue cloth clasped chitsu folding box. Re: KS p.292. $375.00
