Wallpapers for Three Generations, Made in Canada

US$315.00

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[Creator not identified].

Kyōbashi, [Tōkyō] : Yabuya Kawashima Fusumagamiten, Taishō 15 [1926].

A catalogue of 26 Canadian wallpaper samples published by Yabuya Kawashima Fusumagamiten, a company predominantly known for selling fusuma (Japanese sliding screen) papers. A number is printed on the verso of each decorative sample, and a price list has been tipped-in before the lower flyleaf. Wallpaper sample number 11,938, a listing identified in the index, has unfortunately been removed from the book. Nevertheless, the 26 extant samples show a range of interesting features including metallic pigments and textures presumably created using a technique similar to blind embossing. Several papers may have been stencil-printed. While the title records that the wallpapers were made in Canada, there is no information in the book about the original manufacturer. The words “for three generations” suggest that wallpapers appealing to different generations were selected for the catalogue. The number 34 appears on the upper flyleaf, implying that the catalogue was the 34th published by the Yabuya Kawashima Fusumagamiten company.

While Japanese wallpapers boomed in popularity in Canada and other Western countries from the 1880s to the 1930s, this catalogue is a scarce example of the importing of Canadian wallpapers for use in Japanese homes. An obscure work, with no copies located in OCLC or Japanese library databases.

Original wrappers, each made from a different patterned wallpaper. Minor wear to wrapper extremities. Presumed original green tape to spine, chipped and with small losses. Occasional foxing, browning, and offsetting to samples and versos. Two small nicks to lower edge of first few leaves. Slight loss to upper corner of opening edge of a few leaves. Lacking wallpaper sample no. 11,938. Overall very good. 1 v. [28] leaves. 16.4 x 26.4 cm. Text in Japanese and English.

Wallpapers for Three Generations, Made in Canada
Price: $315.00 (USD)