ENKA-JO^
1941. Item #90334
[Manuscript album]. Kanbara Tai, et al. ENKA-JO^. Ca. 1941. Titled 'An Album of Mist and Clouds', this book features fourteen examples of hand-painted calligraphy and simple artworks from different artists, including an illustration by Kanbara Tai (1898-1997). Kanbara was early on one of the most important members of the avant garde in Japan and was an early proponent of Futurism, being a schoolboy correspondent of Marinetti. The double-page spread by Kanbara features an illustration of a woman and the words 'Tu es une jolie fille. - Peut-etre plus que tu ne crois. de Bilitis. Tai Kambara, le 6 avril 1941', the first two lines of which are a quote from Pierre Louys's 'Chansons de Bilitis' (1895). Albums such as this one were often made in the Showa period for friends to collect samples of each other's calligraphy and art, and also as 'autograph books'. Illustrations and calligraphy appear on both sides of this particular folding album, and the illustrations (some painted in black ink, some in color) feature flowers, vegetables, animals, landscapes, and so on. While most of the other artists in the album are unknown, the artist who has signed his name 'Taibokushi' may be Murakamo Taibokushi, an artist heavily involved in the proletarian art movement in Japan in the late Taisho to early Showa period. Original orihon (accordion-style) binding with original handwritten title slip, signed and sealed by an unknown artist Shunjo^. Extremities lightly worn, all edges gilt. Occasional minor foxing. Comes in original slipcase, slightly frayed at extremities and with an ex-bookseller sticker to inner folding flap, original handwritten title slip signed and stamped by Taibokushi. Intact, if a little browned. 1 v., complete. 14 double-pages. 17.8 x 11.7 cm. All text except Kanbara's entry is in Japanese. A beautiful album in nice condition featuring a rare hand-painted illustration by celebrated artist Kanbara Tai. Very good +. Orihon.
Price: $2,850.00