Manuscript Book of Kusudama for each month Beautifully hand-drawn and coloured
[Japan] Impressive manuscript titled, 'Teika Junigatsu no Kusudama', containing twelve designs of so-called 'medicine balls' which were used for incense and pot pourri. Originally, they were made of real flowers as in these illustrations, but recently are more likely to be made of paper. Each month has a different seasonal flower so, for example, February shows cherry blossoms, March wisteria, May irises, and October chrysanthemums. The 'Teika' in the title refers to poet Fujiwara no Teika (1162-1241), who was known to have written poems to go with kusudama. The manuscript was written in Keio 3 (1867) as indicated in the rear of the book.
9 leaves. 26.4 x 19.5cm.
In very good condition with general age wear. Covers with minor wear. Fukurotoji binding (most pages partly separated at leading edge) but otherwise good. Title page with more wear and staining.
m34051173
