[SKETCHTOUR GENRE] Fukuda Bisen, artist - Shina Sanjü-Gakan

1920. [SKETCHTOUR GENRE] Fukuda Shûtaro [Bisen], artist. SHINA SANJÛ- GAKAN. Tokyo, Kanao Bun'endô, Taishô 9 [1920]. 2 volumes, oblong folio, 23.2 x 31.2 cm. A few years after Bun'endô had published the justly famous SHINA TAIKAN by the same artist, the publisher, Kanao Takejiro, assembled the same group of artisans (incuding the master printer, Nishimura Kumakichi) to craft another "take" on the scenery of China - a series of 30 "scrolls" in color woodcut embedded in a narrative shot through with a multitude of illustrations in other media. Scott Johnson in his seminal article on the sketchtour genre in ANDON 37, has called SHINA TAIKAN "the most ambitious of all the sketch-tour books." The SHINA SANJÛ-GAKAN is certainly no less of an impressive achievment (and a much scarcer book). Enormously expensive to produce (It was priced at 50 Yen, impressive even by the inflationary standards of the time!) few were sold and this set is hardly ever found. Our copy has the original wraparound chitsu case with clasps intact. The chitsu itself is a work of art, depicting junks on a river. With a bit of internal foxing and a hint of hinge weakening, but overall a very nice set, complete, of an important and scarce work in the sketchtour genre:. .

See/Hide Conditions of Sale

Following conditions of sale apply:
Terms of Sale

All prices are net, due in U.S. funds drawn on an American bank, save by prior arrangement. May we encourage payment by Visa or Mastercard, as this is the most efficient means for speedy service. All items are returnable for any reason within 5 days of receipt (but please notify us). Shipping is not refundable (save for cause). Shipping rates will, of course, be based on method and the size/weight of the items involved. Our phone number is (617) 522-2100; FAX is (617) 522-9359; Email is nlorder@bostbook.com