Haru no gyokushō (Spring's excellent compositions)

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Haru no gyokushō ["Spring's excellent compositions"]

[Creator unidentified]. 

[Ōsaka?: Murakami-ten?, Meiji 44 (1911)?]. 

An unrecorded book of thirty-three designs for New Year's postcards and twelve postcard-sized illustrations in a nanga style. A printed note at the beginning of the book suggests the work was published in Meiji 44 by the Murakami-ten ("Murakami Store"). The hanshin title reads 忍 ("hidden"), suggesting the book may have been privately printed by the Murakami Store (perhaps a stationary store or printing company). The designs are separated into four themes from the zodiac: the monkey, rooster, dog, and boar, and the illustrations are dated from Meiji 41 to 44 (the corresponding zodiac years). It seems, therefore, that the book reproduces well-designed postcards received by the publisher between 1908 and 1911. Most of the illustrations seem to have been designed by Hida Keifū (also known as Hida Yaichirō and Kikusuian Keifū), a prolific collector and designer of postcards and the editor of Anona magazine. An interesting collection of eye-catching designs for New Year's greeting postcards, many skillfully printed with metallic pigments and shōmenzuri burnishing.

One noble-bound (kōkitoji) volume, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Original wrappers, lightly worn, small losses to extremities. Binding string cut, textblock firm. Original daisen title panel loosely inserted between first leaves. Very minor internal marks. [24 unnumbered leaves]. 23.4 x 16.4 cm. 

Haru no gyokushō (Spring's excellent compositions)
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