The Ten Bulls

US$160.00

ENQUIRE

BUY

The Ten Bulls 

Matsumura, K. [Kaiseki] [compiled by]; Wadagaki, K. [Kenzō] [translated by]; Saito, Shoshyu [Saitō, Shōshū] [illustrated by]; Okura, H. [Hanbē] [blocks cut by]; Nishimura, K. [Kumakichi] [hand-printed by].  

Tōkyō: Sakura-Shobo, Taishō 3 [1914].

A delightful little book of Zen poems with skilfully woodblock-printed illustrations by master craftsmen. The poems were based on Chinese Rinzai Chán (Zen) master Kuòān Shīyuăn's version of the famous "Ten Ox Herding" verses, a series of short Zen poems with accompanying drawings used to describe steps toward enlightenment. The illustrations in this version were probably based on those attributed to Tenshō Shūbun (1414-1463) in a scroll from the 15th century. Shūbun's illustrations were based on now-lost 12th century Chinese originals. The artist who "redesigned" Shūbun's images for this book, Saitō Shōshū (1870-1934), worked as a book designer and illustrator from the late Meiji to early Shōwa period. The woodblocks for the illustrations were cut by master carver Ōkura Hanbei and printed by Nishimura Kumakichi, notable in his own right for his work as a block-cutter for American woodblock print artist Lilian Miller. The thirteen illustrations are very lightly coloured, and are in a distinctive Nanga school style. The use of pigment gradation to mimic brush and ink paintings demonstrates the great skill of the printer, and the lines of the images themselves, cut using a sabibori technique mimicking brushstrokes, showcase Ōkura's block-cutting skills. This presentation copy is addressed in manuscript to a Mr. Ienaga by the editor/compiler, Matsumura Kaiseki, on the page facing the colophon.

One stab-bound (yamatotoji) volume, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Original wrappers with light stains and scrapes, foot sunned. Editor's inscription to page facing colophon. Minor bump to upper opening corner. Lacks original book-envelope. [14] leaves. 18.3 x 10.9 cm. Text in English, Japanese, and Chinese.

The Ten Bulls
Price: $160.00 (USD)