The surface of the water

US$3,050.00

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Mizu no omo shū ["The surface of the water"]

Shakuyakutei, [Nagane], Suiseien, [Ryōkyo], Saisentei, [Naofuru] [poems selected by]; [Komatsubara], Suikei [illustrated by].

[Japan]: Mendō, Seiyūen [printing blocks owned by], [postscript dated Tenpō 2 (1831)].

A collection of kyōka poems illustrated with stunning colour woodblock prints by Komatsubara Suikei (1781-1835). Suikei, born in Fukui Prefecture, worked as a MaruyamaShijō school painter and ukiyo-e artist in Edo (Tokyo) and provided illustrations for Takai Ranzan's Tōshisen Ehon. The six double-page and two single-page illustrations by Suikei feature metallic pigments and have been skilfully woodblock printed. Poems were selected for the volume by Suiseien Ryōkyo, the kyōka poet and bookseller Saisentei Naofuru, and the famed kyōka poet, author, and occasional gesaku author Shakuyakutei Nagane (Kisanji II, 1767-1845). Shakuyakutei was an occasional judge of poetry competitions, a leader of poetry groups including the Sugawararen, and a descendant of the artist and craftsman Hon'ami Kōetsu (1558-1637).

One four-hole (yotsutoji) binding, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Presumed original wrappers, light fading to edges, with a few creases and small wormholes. Professional repair to tear on leaf 4, not affecting illustrations. Several insignificant wormholes and creases to leaves. Housed in non-original custom slipcase. [2], 7, 18 leaves. 22.5 × 16 cm.

The surface of the water
Price: $3,050.00 (USD)