Keiran Gafu - Colour lithographs of orchids Large, impressive work
[Japan] A large, impressive book with colour lithographs of keiran, a plant in the orchid family that doesn't flower, rather, having nice patterns in their leaves. Growing them became a private hobby in the Edo era amongst lords and other people of means. The designs of the pots used for the plants were also beautifully designed and form part of the display. Edited by Hikita Keizo who selected 30 masterpieces from the collections of various families. Hikita apparently studied Western painting from the Italian painter Antonio Fontanesi (1818-1882) at the Technical Fine Arts School in Tokyo.
Kyoto. Shueikan Sekibanbu. 1888.
21 leaves. 34.1 x 23cm.
In very good condition. Covers worn with some age wear and spotting. The first few leaves with Japanese text have some darkening and wear as well as the final leaf. Colophon page with old, cheap tape repair. The lithographs of the orchids are very good. In recent, custom-made folding case. b34051202
