Collection of gōkan envelopes

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[Collection of gōkan envelopes] 

[Utagawa], Kunisada, [Utagawa], Toyokuni ... [et al.] [illustrated by].

[Japan: various publishers, ca. late Edo period (1850-60s)?]. 

A collection of 56 colour woodblock-printed fukuro (envelopes) produced for gōkan (illustrated serial novels). The majority of the fukuro in this collection were created for the novels Shiranui Monogatari, Hōsetsu Bidan Jidai Kagami, Fūzoku Asamagatake, and Shaka Hassō Yamato Bunko, although other titles are also included. The fukuro are occasionally illustrated with vignettes by well-known artists like Hiroshige. Many demonstrate the use of woodblock-printing techniques like nunomezuri (blind-printing with fabric adhered to a woodblock), kirazuri (printing with mica), shōmenzuri (burnishing), and bokashi (gradation). The collection showcases a creative range of designs for well-known titles and could be useful as a pedagogical tool.

Set of 3 loose and 53 mounted woodblock-printed book-envelopes. Tears, wormholes, stains, small losses, and general wear to prints. [56 leaves]. Printed areas measure approx. 17.5 x 12 cm; mounting papers measure approx. 21 x 15.2 cm.

Collection of gōkan envelopes
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