Ukiyo-e, Japanese woodblock prints, Japan, Farbholzschnitte, estampes japonaises, ehon art, Kunst, graphic art, illustrated books, ehon, ukiyoe,

A group of excellent woodblock printed facsimile editions of
rare masterpieces of illustrated Japanese books (ehon)

The following illustrated books are woodblock printed facsimiles which were published by theToyko publishers, Tosho Kankokei & Kikkawa Kobunkan, in 1916 and 1917. The publishers had selected acclaimed masterpieces by Harunobu, Shunsho, Shigemasa, Hokusai, Utamaro, Buncho and others for re-editions, some of them being milestones in the development of the illustrated Japanese book. The publishers had chosen the best block carvers and printers, and the results are extremely faithful, wonderfully printed facsimiles.



TOYOHIRO, Utagawa
(1773 - 1828)
Ehon azuma warawa
('Picture Book of the Children of Edo')

This fine book depicts townsmen of Edo visiting the various temples in the twelve months. Jack Hillier in 'Art of the Japanese Book': "It is the artist's finest book of genre". - The original edition is so extremely rare that no copy seems to exist in Japanese collections; none of the old French auction catalogs lists the book either.

Complete in two volumes. Contains 1 single and 12 double-page illustrations; with several pages of text and colophons.
Japanese-style binding, originally published in 1804, this facsimile edition: 1917.
Fine impression, colors, and condition. Set comes in blue chitsu (cloth-covered wrappers, see illustration above right).

ref. no.: # EFS280
Price: € 650.00

CLICK on a picture at right to view sample pages.

SHUNSHO, Katsukawa (1726-93)
& BUNCHO, Ippitsusai (fl. 1765-92)
Ehon butai ogi
('Portraits of Edo Actors on Fans')

Complete in three volumes. Contains 121 portraits of actors.
Japanese-style binding, originally published in 1770, this facsimile edition: 1917
Fine impression, colors and condition.

ref. no.: # EFS460
Price: € 850.00

We will provide larger pictures from the book on request.

For prints from the original edition of 1770, pls. see: KABUKI & LEGEND section.

More woodblock-printed facsimiles may be found in the following gallery sections:


Akashi copies of surimono              landscapes & figure prints

   reference books    top of page Illustrated books - original editions