A Set of Sketchbooks of Seasonal Flowers and Plants

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[Ca. Meiji 36 to 44 (1903-1911)]. In manuscript.

A set of four books of skillfully hand-painted flowers and animals, presumed to be by the same, unknown, Japanese artist. Most of the illustrations are captioned with the name of the flower/plant pictured and the date the sketch was made, suggesting that the books were used as ‘sketchbook diaries’ in which the artist painted seasonal blossoms. 

While most of the paintings are of flowers and plants, some depict animals, beetles, carp, lobsters, birds, and so on. The illustrations, some in black ink and some in colour, show delicate lines that capture the delicacy and movement of the plants. A charming set of sketchbooks in a distinctively Japanese style.

First volume in presumed original binding, other volumes probably re-bound. Wrappers lightly soiled. Minor occasional stains to text. Overall very good to near fine. 4 v. 27.7 x 19.8 cm. Text in Japanese. 

A Set of Sketchbooks of Seasonal Flowers and Plants
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