Onchi Kōshirō 恩地孝四郎, et al.

Hakubutsu-Fu 博物譜

1950. Item #91002

Onchi Kōshirō 恩地孝四郎, et al.. Hakubutsu-Fu 博物譜. Tokyo. Showa 35 [1950]. Small, oblong western-style book, printed, paper-covered boards with a leather spine 11.2 x 14.5cm. Number 44 of 200 [of 250] copies, signed and sealed by the editor, Onchi Kōshirō 恩地孝四郎 (1891-1955). This "Natural History Sketchbook" represents the first creative effort of the Ichimokukai 一木会, First Thursday Club, or, as the pun in Japanese implies, Best Prints Club, the print group around Onchi. Though designed during the early years of the Pacific War, it wasn't actually printed until 1949-50, in a small, limited edition.

There are five color woodcuts Sosaku Hanga prints by each of the five artists involved: Onchi created the animal prints, Yamaguchi Gen 山口源 (1896 - 1976) did shells, Sekino Jun’ichiro 関野準一郎 (1914-1988) - insects, Katō Tarō 加藤太郎 - trees and Sugihara Masami 杉原正巳 - flowers; 25 prints in all. Plus, there is a printed shita-e 下絵 (preparatory drawing) style design on the Contents page, and the Title page and covers are printed as well.

In near perfect condition in the original glassine in the original box with a printed paper label. This is an extremely importatn and handsome work from Onchi's school.

Price: $2,250.00