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Sono no Kaori - Stunning Japanese design book

with 10 superb woodblock prints by 10 different artists

Sono no Kaori - Stunning Japanese design book with 10 superb woodblock prints by 10 different artists
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Sono no Kaori - Stunning Japanese design book with 10 superb woodblock prints by 10 different artists

[Japan] With the title meaning something like, 'The Fragrant Garden', this book is a masterpiece of late-Meiji era woodblock printing. With artists (in order) Iwasaki Shoun, Ogino Issui, Kano Hisahide, Kataoka Hokusen, Yao Jakusen, Furuya Setsuzan, Kobayashi Gyokunen, Goto Ryuko, Mizuta Shizuhiro, and Shimomura Gyokuko (Tamahiro) providing one design each, this book really is a feast for the eyes. The birds in Setsuzan's print have been made to look slightly blurred to give the impression of movement. Gyokunen's red squares on black design is simply ahead of its time. Under the title on the cover is faintly written 'Maki no ichi' [Volume 1] but it appears further volumes may not have been published. The book is an orihon but, interestingly, does have a red spine covering that is a little deteriorated. Such luxurious, full-page, woodblock printed productions rarely appear on the market.

 

Kyoto. Honda Ichijiro (Unkindo). 1903.

 

10 double page prints+2pp preface and 2pp contents. 25.2 x 17.8cm.

 

In very good condition. Covers with minor wear at corners. Internally very good to fine. b33081028

Sono no Kaori - Stunning Japanese design book

Price: ¥440,000




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