US$2,050.00 | ![]() |
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Kyōsai Rakuga ["Kyōsai's Drawings for Pleasure"]
Kawanabe, Dōiku [Kyōsai] [illustrated by].
Tōkyō: Takeda Den'emon, Meiji 14 [1881].
A delicately woodblock-printed album of 34 double-page illustrations of plants, flowers, and animals by Kyōsai. Kyōsai's distinctively comical style is largely absent from this work; instead, he showcases his ability to express the graceful lines required of traditional Nihonga. The presence of hand-stamped red inkan (seal) marks confirms the set as an early impression. One of Kyōsai's finest albums, in uncharacteristically subtle tones.
Two gajōsō-bound volumes, complete, with hōhaisō wrappers. Original wrappers with light marks, small stickers, and original daisen title slips. Number in pen to upper wrapper of v. 1. Light creases and marks to leaves. Minor wormholes, repaired. Housed in non-original custom folding case. [20; 19] leaves. Both volumes measure approximately 21.9 x 14.5 cm.