Mondokoro kirikata (Stencils for crest-cutting)

ENQUIRE

Mondokoro kirikata ["Stencils for crest-cutting"]

Arai, Isaburō [illustrated by].

[Edo (Tōkyō)]: Ōnoya Kinzō, [ca. late Edo period (1830-50s)?].

Two issues of a playful work on cutting kamon (family crests) from folded paper. The instructions on the upper wrappers indicate how to fold the paper and how to use the issues - a monkiri ("crest-cutting") can be made by cutting out the desired template from the book, laying it on top of a piece of paper which has already been folded in the way instructed, and cutting out the black area. When the section that is cut out is unfolded, a delicate and interesting shape is revealed. This would explain why there are so few examples in databases - the use of the issues required their destruction. This pastime, at its heart a type of origami that allows folded paper to be cut, is now generally referred to as kirigami. Each issue features an illustration on the upper wrapper of a child engaging in monkiri play. Monkiri is also believed to have been taught to students at terakoya schools. 

Two issues bound in one, presumed complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Original upper wrappers bound-in. Extra (contemporary) lower wrapper added by an ex-owner. Leaves creased and mellowed. Light foxing, a few small stains and holes. 3; 1, 2 leaves. 21.1 x 14.5 cm.

Mondokoro kirikata (Stencils for crest-cutting)
SOLD