Sochu Kakifu [Illustrated Manual of Flowers and Insects]

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Sōchū Kakifu [Illustrated Manual of Flowers and Insects]

Wang, Shi, Wang, Gai, Wang, Nie [illustrated by].

Kyōto: Hishiya Magobē/Gosharō, [ca. late Edo period (1810s-1850s?)]. 

The fourth and final section of Hishiya Magobē's twenty-three-volume wakoku-bon (Japanese woodblock edition) of the celebrated Kaishien Gaden (Manual of the Mustard Seed Garden), the most influential painting manual published in East Asia. The first volume consists entirely of text, while the second contains instructional illustrations printed in black ink. The third and fourth volumes feature colour woodblock-printed illustrations of flowers, grasses, and ornamental plants, frequently accompanied by butterflies, beetles, crickets, and other insects, providing copybook designs for study and imitation. First compiled and published in China during the early Qing dynasty, the Kaishien Gaden became enormously influential in Japan, where it served as a foundational guide to Chinese painting techniques for generations of artists. A nice set, printed in gentle tones that complement the delicacy of the designs.

Fourth series, in four six-hole bound (kōkitoji) volumes, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Original wrappers very lightly marked, with original woodblock-printed daisen (title panels) present. Small ex-ownership seal to one daisen. Light browning, occasional creases, and small ink stains made during printing to leaves. Minor wormholing and one or two small holes to leaves also. Ex-ownership stamps to first page of each volume. Housed in original wrap-around chitsu case, a little wormholed and scratched. 2, 3, 10; 21; [1], 20; [1], 20 leaves. Each volume measures 26 x 17.5 cm.

Sochu Kakifu [Illustrated Manual of Flowers and Insects]
Price: $540.00 (USD)