Bijutsukai (Sea of Art)

US$3,860.00

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Bijutsukai ["Sea of Art"]

Yamada, Naosaburō [produced by]; Furuya, Kōrin, Kaigai, Tennen, Kamisaka, Sekka ... [et al.] [illustrated by].

Kyōto: Yamada Unsōdō, Meiji 32-38 [1899-1905].

Issues 31-40, 58, 59, 61, 62, and 63 (of 70) of the acclaimed zuan magazine Bijutsukai. Replete with stunning colour woodblock-printed designs for textiles (and occasionally ceramics and lacquerware) created by acclaimed artists including Kamisaka Sekka and Furuya Kōrin, Bijutsukai is one of the most celebrated Meiji-era publications from Unsōdō. The creative motifs, use of metallic pigments, and juxtaposing colours have capivated "readers" for over a century. The work is not to be confused with Shin Bijutsukai, another Unsōdō publication produced around the same time. Reprints of Bijutsukai and Shin Bijutsukai were published by Unsōdō in the late Shōwa era. Runs of this important zuan publication are scarce. 

Fifteen issues in two stab-bound (musubitoji) volumes, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Issues in second volume bound out of order. Original wrappers a little worn and chipped. Only lower wrapper of issue 40 included in first bound volume, and slightly loose. Occasional marks, offsetting, wear, browning, and chipping. Some fukurotoji split. Occasional tears to fold-out illustrations. Pencil scribbles to one fold-out illustration. Colophons present from issue 40 onwards. Occasional ex-ownership stamps and stickers. First bound volume: [1 fold-out illustration + 9 leaves; 1 fold-out illustration + 9 leaves; 1 fold-out illustration + 11 leaves; 10 leaves; 1 fold-out illustration + 9 leaves; 12; 12; 12; 12; 12 leaves]. Second bound volume: [10; 10; 10; 10; 10] leaves. Issues measure approximately 23.5 x 16 cm.

Bijutsukai (Sea of Art)
Price: $3,860.00 (USD)