Ehon Imagawa-jō 絵本今川状 Two volumes
Item #91088
Ehon Imagawa-jō 絵本今川状 Two volumes 22.8 x 15.8 cm string-bound Japanese style, fukuro-toji in the original yellow, blind-stamped wrappers and housed in a modern clasped chitsu 23 x 16.5cm. Volume one has 22 cho of woodcuts and Japanese text, 3 cho of preliminary text and no title slip. Volume two has cho 23 - 52 of woodcuts and Japanese text, a colophon and the original title slip. The twenty or so partial, single page and double page original woodblock prints, a few using color blocks, are quite well printed.
A brief epitome of the manners and customs of the traditional well-to-do in Japan, with a few Chinese scenes, as well. Interesting work from the Nagoya publisher that was also busy publishing Hokusai's major works, including the “Hundred Views of Fuji”, “Manga”, etc. Interestingly enough, at the time Matthi Forrer did his extensive research on the Eirakuya firm, he could not locate a copy of this book.
Dust soiled wrappers with a bit of soiling. Slight toning of some pages. Otherwise, the condition of the artwork overall is very good. Complete.
Price: $1,600.00