 reference books |
|
 Illustrated books - original editions |
|
reference books |
|
Illustrated books - original editions |
|
The following illustrated books are woodblock printed facsimiles which were published by the Toyko
publishers, Kankokei & Rinsen, in 1917. The publishers had selected
acclaimed masterpieces by Harunobu, Shunsho, Shigemasa, Hokusai, Utamaro, Buncho, Toyokuni
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.
|
|
TOYOKUNI, Utagawa
(1769 - 1825) Ehon imayo sugata ('Picture book of Modern Forms and Figures') Complete in 2 vols; vol. 1: inside front cover: title; 6 pp. introduction; 1 p. contents (with pattern-background), 24 pp. (12dp.) color illustrations; 19 pp. text. Vol. 2: 1 p. contents (with pattern-background), 24 pp. (12dp.) color illustrations; 17 pp. text; 2 pp. colophon. Covers (pale blue): deeply embossed, repeated pattern, which features the toshidama ("New Year's jewel") shaped seal of the UTAGAWA SCHOOL and the editor's, SHIKITEI SAMBA's Shikitei seal. Published: 1802 (this facsimile edition, published by Rinsen in 1917. Ehon imayo sugata is a book about women of all kinds: from women of noble birth to those of the lowest classes-from the most virtuous women to the most immoral.' Specifically, these are Toyo- kuni's depictions of the modern women of early 19th century Edo (present-day Tokyo) presented in scenes from their daily lives. The book is considered one of the artist's most important works, designed and published at the height of his career in 1802. Overall, this 'Picture Book of Modern Forms and Figures' is organized on a sliding scale of the perceived morality of the women depicted. The more "virtuous ladies" are portrayed in volume one and are physically separated from the "less virtuous courtesans" of the Yoshiwara Pleasure Quarters who inhabit volume two. "Toyokuni's finest achievement in book form, except for his actors portraits book". (Hillier) Fine impression, colors, and condition. - RARE. ref. no.: # E 2469 Price: € 1,250.00 CLICK on a picture at right to view sample pages. |
  
|
|
SHUNSHÔ, Katsukawa (1726-93) & BUNCHÔ, Ippitsusai (fl. 1765-92) Ehon butai ogi ('Portraits of Edo Actors on Fans') Complete in three volumes. Contains 121 prints (portraits of actors). Japanese-style binding, originally published in 1770, this facsimile edition: 1917 Fine impression, color and condition. - RARE. Copies of the original edition of 1770 almost never show up on the market, and if so, are a matter of five- or even six-figure amounts! ref. no.: # E 0046 Price: € 1,950.00 CLICK on a picture at right to view sample pages. |
 
|
|
reference books
|
top of page
|
Illustrated books
- original editions
|
|
|
|
|
|