Kōrin Hyakuzu Kōhen 光琳百図後編 [One Hundred Designs by Kōrin, 2nd Series], 2 vols in 1

Item #91012

Kōrin Hyakuzu Kōhen 光琳百図後編 [One Hundred Designs by Kōrin, 2nd Series], 2 vols in 1. Suzuki Ki-itsu 鈴木其一 and Sakai Hō-Itsu 酒井抱一, editors. Bunsei 9 [1826]. 2 books in 1 volume 25.5 x 18cm string-bound Japanese-style, fukuro-toji with tan decorated wrappers with silver mica. 37 cho of original monochrome woodblock prints, double-page, single-page and multiple per page, with preliminary text and afterword in Japanese. Cho 1-20 comprise the first book and cho 21-37 the second book. (Cho numbers from 21-37 are preceded by 下 latter/second). There is a brushed note in Japanese on the rear inside wrapper that describes the book. The preface, dated June 2nd of Bunsei 9 [1826], is signed Tani Bunchō 谷文晁 (1763-1841) and the conclusion is signed by the eminent Rimpa artist, Sakai Hō-itsu 酒井抱一, though 1826 was the year of his death and it is generally acknowledged that this collection was edited by Hō-itsu's great disciple, Suzuki Kiitsu 鈴木其一 (1796-1858). As such, it is one of the few works by Kiitsu that ever reached publication.

Kōrin Hyakuzu Kōhen 光琳百図 後編 [One Hundred Designs by Kōrin, 2nd series] is the second and last series of works based on acknowledged Kōrin paintings still extant in the 1820's, here reproduced in theTempo era, c. 1830-44 in black and white woodcuts from the original blocks.

This reprint is a wonderful teaching tool showing the possibilities of a different image when compared to the original by virtue of the skill and sensibility of the printer. The Bunsei 9 [1826] version is a delicate printing with light colors that offers a sense of perspective to the designs, whereas this later Tenpo [c.1830-44] volume has richer colors and the images are impressed more heavily upon the paper, resulting in a more traditional, two-dimensional image.

With some wear and soiling to wrapper and areas of foxing throughout. Red pencil writing on the inside front cover and first page of introduction and a mark in blue pencil in the margin on the back of cho 17.

2 vols in 1, complete. See Mitchell pp. 376-7. From the Geoff Burton Collection.

Price: $450.00