1852. HUC, M. RECOLLECTIONS OF A JOURNEY THROUGH TARTARY, THIBET, AND CHINA, DURING THE YEARS 1844, 1845, AND 1846. (Appleton's Popular Library). New York: D. Appleton & Company, 1852. Later printing, complete in two volumes. 12mo. red cloth; vol.1: 245pp. + ads, vol.2: 248pp. + ads. Spine-pieces missing. Otherwise good. .

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Book number: 40366

Catalogue: Japan and East Asia

10 Ise Katagami Paper Stencils [åž‹ç´™]

10 Ise Katagami Paper Stencils [åž‹ç´™]. [Japan]. [Taisho Period]. Set of 10 intricate katagami åž‹ç´™ paper stencils that vary in size. 2 large stencils are approx. 41.5 x 41.5cm, 4 medium size stencils are approx. 30 x 40.5cm and 4 small stencils are approx. 15.5 x 22cm. All are in a shade of brown and are Japanese katagami paper stencils in an abstract, floral or botanical design. The stencils are made from layers of washi å’Oeç´™ (traditional Japanese handmade paper) and glue (called kakishibu 柿渋) that is extracted from persimmons, which give the stencils their signature brown hue. Katagami is also known as Ise katagami 伊勢型紙, named after the area of Ise (now Mie Prefecture) where they were made and used. Some of them have a very fine lattice made of human hair or the equivalent, that hold the designs together. Stencils were traditionally used on silk or cotton cloth to decorate hand towels, obi or clothing or on paper or objects, such as fans. The main ingredients in the glue are glutinous rice, rice bran and water. Sources attribute the roots of katazome to as early as the late Nara Period (710-794), but certainly by the Kamakura period (1185-1333) it was being used to dye textiles for clothing. It later became an artistic medium in its own right in the Edo (1603-1868) and Meiji periods (1868-1912). One of the stencils was previously used and, interestingly, has metallic silver and gold paint on one side. A few stencils have a round whitish mark at the edge on the back or front of the stencil. A few small cuts and a few tiny missing pieces to the stencils, one has a section of broken screen, making it easier to see how it was constructed.Stencils are otherwise in very good condition. An intricate and fragile art form that has all but disappeared in Japan. .

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Book number: 91027

Catalogue: Japan and East Asia

[36 Poems by 36 Haikai Poets]

19. [36 Poems by 36 Haikai Poets]. N.p. C. 1900-1920. 30.4 x 26.5cm volume string-bound Japanese-style, fukuro-toji with olive green brocade covers. The blank title slip is mounted on the top left of the front cover. The inner wrappers are covered in gold-flecked paper and the free endpapers appear to be laid paper. [18] cho with an image of a poet and a poem in Japanese calligraphy on each page for a total of [36] pages. The images are in black with a light wash of peach, green and gray on heavy Japanese paper with a poem and poet's name in sumi ink. Each one has the same red hanko by the artist, likely KashÅ� éoežæ¨µ. KashÅ� was one of the pen names of the established calligrapher and painter Ike no Taiga 池大é›- (1723 - 1776) and this could be an ode to his work. The poet depicted on the final page appears to be the haiku poet Hattori TohÅ� æoe�部åoeŸèŠ³ (1657-1730), a protege of legendary haiku poet BashÅ� æ�¾å°¾èŠ­è•‰ (1644-94). A delightful rendition of the theme of "36 poems by 36 poets," done with a whimsical feel. Likely about 1900-1920 by a skilled amateur. Slight wear to covers, string is snapped at top. .

Boston Book CompanyProfessional seller

Book number: 91008

Catalogue: Japan and East Asia

åoesaka Jyå� Hakkei 大阪城å-«æ™¯ [8 Views of Osaka Castle]

19. ÅOesaka JyÅ� Hakkei 大阪城å-«æ™¯ [8 Views of Osaka Castle] [Woodblock Album]. Oblong orihon folio 25 x 35 cm, in stiff silk-covered boards with a printed paper title label. Interspersed with Japanese text is a group of interesting original color woodcuts depicting traditional views of Osaka Castle during the early 17th century from various precincts of the city. One may only say that Osaka has changed in the interim. Appears to be a prewar production. Osaka Castle was restored in the early 1930s and many albums, etc were created to celebrate it. Sadly, it would be utterly destroyed in the WWII bombings. .

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Book number: 82065

Catalogue: Japan and East Asia

Aya Nishiki 綾éoe¦ [Design Album]

Aya Nishiki ç
¶ ¾éOe¦ [Design album]. Late Meiji-Taisho Era. Oversize design album in boards approx. 69 x 43cm with 99 sheets approx 77.5 x 45cm. Each sheet has a rectangular design approx. 47.5 x 34.5cm, about two-thirds with penciled gridlines for production. Holes in the right hand margin for binding. Hand-brushed title on front board reads ç
¶ ¾éOe¦ [Aya Nishiki] with 山田 [Yamada] on the lower right hand side. Lovely hand-painted designs with botanical, pictorial, abstract, traditional Japanese and Western motifs, likely for kimono or other textiles and possibly for embroidery or weaving. Silver and bronze metallic accents on a number of designs. A few patterns have a transparent paper overlay where a design was revised. These appear to be preliminary sketches before being made into a woodblock print or stencil. Some show signs of Karazuri 空刷り, key block blind printing, or a scoring of the paper surface to designate a border or placement of a design. Most pages have some type of identification in the margins, such as a stamped hanko, penciled notes, stamped or handwritten pattern number, and/or a handwritten date within a stamped box. A few have the name 山田 [Yamada] handwritten in pencil on the bottom and some have production directions, all in Japanese. 2 small labels on the rear board with "91 original paintings" and "Kyoto, Japan" handwritten in English. Wear to boards and toning to rear and margins of sheets. .

Boston Book CompanyProfessional seller

Book number: 91001

Catalogue: Japan and East Asia

Bijutsu Techå� 美術手帖 No. 118

1956. Bijutsu TechÅ� 美術手帖 No. 118. Bijutsu Shuppansha 美術出版社. Tokyo. December, 1956. 21 x 15cm issue of the monthly art magazine Bijutsu TechÅ� 美術手帖. The cover has a modern art design of red and brown squares within a blue square while the back has 4 blue and red ads. 148 pages followed by pages of advertising. While the main story is on the life and work Georges Seurat ジョルジュ スーラ, there is a two page spread on pp. 104-5 dedicated to a Gutai exhibition. The pages include Japanese text as well as 8 black and white reproduced photos. The images have short explanations underneath and are of artwork in situ and action photos of artists at work as well as one of an art piece made using chemicals (kagaku yakuhin åOe–学薬å“�). The article is entitled, Seidokuna Wakasa no HyÅ�gen 精得ã�ªè‹¥ã�•ã�®è¡¨ç�¾ [An Expression of Skilled Youth] Thin scratch on front cover. Toning to pages, some wear to covers and binding. Staple-bound, staples are oxidized. .

Boston Book CompanyProfessional seller

Book number: 91021

Catalogue: Japan and East Asia

Bijutsu Techå� 美術手帖 No. 118

1956. Bijutsu TechÅ� 美術手帖 No. 118 Bijutsu Shuppansha 美術出版社 Tokyo December, 1956 21 x 15cm issue of the monthly art magazine Bijutsu TechÅ� 美術手帖. The cover has a modern art design of red and brown squares within a blue square while the back has 4 blue and red ads. 148 pages followed by pages of advertising. While the main story is on the life and work Georges Seurat ジョルジュ スーラ, there is a two page spread on pp. 104-5 dedicated to a Gutai exhibition. The pages include Japanese text as well as 8 black and white reproduced photos. The images have short explanations underneath and are of artwork in situ and action photos of artists at work as well as one of an art piece made using chemicals (kagaku yakuhin åOe–学薬å“�). The article is entitled, Seidokuna Wakasa no HyÅ�gen 精得ã�ªè‹¥ã�•ã�®è¡¨ç�¾ [An Expression of Skilled Youth]. Toning to pages, some wear to covers and binding. Staple-bound, staples are oxidized. .

Boston Book CompanyProfessional seller

Book number: 91022

Catalogue: Japan and East Asia

Bijutsu Techå� 美術手帖 No. 356

1972. Bijutsu TechÅ� 美術手帖 No. 356 Bijutsu Shuppansha 美術出版社 Tokyo June 1972 This 21 x 14.5cm issue of the monthly art magazine Bijutsu TechÅ� 美術手帖 has a multicolor reproduced image of an artwork on the cover. Inside are two articles on the Gutai Group, one on pp. 22-3 and the other on pp. 24-25. Japanese text throughout. The first article is entitled, Tsuranuita "Seishin no JiyÅ«" ã�¤ã‚‰ã�¬ã�„ã�Ÿ"精神ã�®è‡ªç”±" [Hard-won Freedom of the Spirit]. The second article is entitled, ShÅ«dan ni Okeru Zettaisha no Shi" 集団ã�«ã�Šã�‘ã‚‹"çµ
¶ 対è€-"ã�®æ­» [The Death of "Absolutism" in the Group]. Toning to covers. Interior pages in good condition. .

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Book number: 91024

Catalogue: Japan and East Asia

Bijutsu Techå� 美術手帖 Vol. 44 No. 660 [Monthly Art Magazine ]

Bijutsu Tech� 美術手帖 Vol. 44 No. 660 [Monthly Art Magazine ] Bijutsu Shuppansha 美術出版社 Tokyo October 1992 21 x 14.5cm monthly art magazine Bijutsu Tech� 美術手帖 has a black and white reproduced photo of Yoshihara Jir� overlaid with a partial red circular design for which he was known, as well as Japanese text, on the front cover. The issue has two extensive articles, with many images, on Yoshihara Jir� �原治良 (1905 - 1972), representative and leader of the Gutai Art Association. Japanese text throughout. The first article, on pp. 31- 82 focuses on Yoshihara's early years and his development as an artist. Multiple color images throughout of his artworks and personal black and white photos give a behind-the-scenes view of the artist, including a reproduced photo of the house where he was born in Osaka, a portrait of him as a middle school student and his grave site. Notable are 2 pages of b+w photos of a concert, a grand fashion show, Yoshihara's large-scale art in situ, art in action at the International Sky Festival and the Gutai art matsuri. There is also a timeline that begins with his birth and chronicles important events and exhibitions in his life. A second article on pp. 83-94 focuses on the Gutai years. The article includes 17 reproduced photos: 10 black and white images, including Yoshihara with supporter and art critic Michel Tapie in 1957, artwork in situ at the Martha Jackson gallery in 1958 and Gutai notices and a Gutai group photo in 1965, and 7 color images of Yoshihara's artworks with dates and details of each work. Covers and interior pages are in very good condition. The entire issue is on heavyweight paper. .

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Book number: 91025

Catalogue: Japan and East Asia

The Cub's Triumph [Kitsune No Tegara] (野干[�]ノ手柄) [Second Edition]

The Cub's Triumph [Kitsune no Tegara] (野干[ç‹�]ノ手柄) [second edition]. Mrs. T. H. [Kate] James, translator. Hasegawa TakejirÅ� é•·è°·å·�武次郎, publisher for Kobunsha. Tokyo. Meiji 20 [1887]. 15x9.8cm small crepe paper book, opens Western style, with decorated wrappers. Perfect-bound with holes for sewing. This volume was published by the Hasegawa family when they were known as KÅ�bunsha, working from the address in Minami SaegichÅ� å�—ä½�柄æoe¨ç”º Tokyo, their first address. Detailed blue, black and gray woodblock prints with touches of red and orange. The translator Kate James was the wife of a naval officer stationed in Japan, and translated numerous fairy tales for Hasegawa publishing. English language text tells the tale of an evil badger who takes advantage of a mother fox, and the revenge of her cub. Wear to covers; front cover and first cho is detached at top. Staining to rear wrapper. Interior pages in good condition. .

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Book number: 90927

Catalogue: Japan and East Asia

Ehon Kaikei Zan (Jyå�) çµµæOe¬æOeƒç¨½å±± 上

Ehon Kaikei Zan (JyÅ�) çµµæoe¬æoeƒç¨½å±± 上. 22 x 15.5cm book string-bound Japanese-style, fukuro-toji. Decorated front and rear wrappers with title slip on left hand side of front wrapper. 5 cho, and an initial, unnumbered cho, of color woodcuts and Japanese text. The final cho is pasted down onto the inside rear wrapper. The character Take/ Bu æ­¦ (warrior or military) is printed on the hashira. A fascinating and early example of Kappazuri Hanga å�ˆç¾½æ‘ºç‰ˆç”», which starts with a woodblock for the black sections with color added with a stencil. The title could refer to the well-known play by Chikamatsu Monzaemon è¿‘æ�¾é–€å·¦è¡›é–€ (1653-1725) entitled Soga Kaikeizan 曽我æoeƒç¨½å±± (The Soga Brothers at Kaikei Mountain) written in 1718. The book depicts a battle on land and sea between warriors in Japan. One section mentions Mega (also Tsumashika) 妻鹿, the area that is now the southern part of Hyogo prefecture and Himeji city. This book is a very similar style and very close in size to an example dated 1801 found in "The Story of Kappazuri From My Collection" by Akifumi Nakade. See page 194-5, plate 116. Wear and dirt staining of wrappers with worming and ink stain on bottom. Front inside wrapper appears to be missing a page. Extensive worming in margins, rips and wear to pages, thumbing at bottom corners of pages. .

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Book number: 90867

Catalogue: Japan and East Asia

[Emaki Painted Handscroll 絵巻 of Makura Zå�Shi æž•è�‰å­� by Sei Shonagon æ¸-å°‘ç´�言] Izeri Sosui, Artist

[Emaki Painted Handscroll 絵巻 of Makura ZÅ�shi æž•è�‰å­� by Sei Shonagon æ¸-å°‘ç´�言] Izeri Sosui, artist c. Early 20th C [Emaki Painted Handscroll 絵巻 of Makura ZÅ�shi æž•è�‰å­� by Sei Shonagon æ¸-å°‘ç´�言 ] Very long (approximately 33 feet long and 10 3/4 inches tall) black and white painted and calligraphed illustrated version of this classic Heian era literary work, the Pillow Book. The original work was finished about 1002 after the author had spent years as a lady-in-waiting at the court. The images in this scroll are said to have been first created by an anonymous female artist to go along with the calligraphy of a Buddhist monk named GokÅ�ken-in in the 13th century. The original still exists as an Important Cultural Treasure in Japan. The scroll has been closely copied many times throughout history. I recently saw a version done in the late 16th century. Ours is a magnificent effort created in the 20th century by Izeri Sosui, born in Kumamoto in 1882. Sosui was known for his efforts in the Yamato-e 大å’Oeçµµ genre, so this recreation of the classic scroll is a product of long study of the techniques employed. There is a bit of abrasion to the brocade wraparound, else in lovely condition in a wooden box. .

Boston Book CompanyProfessional seller

Book number: 89514

Catalogue: Japan and East Asia

The Fisher Boy Urashima [Urashima 浦島] - Japanese Fairy Tale Series No. 8

The Fisher Boy Urashima [Urashima 浦å³
¶ ] - Japanese Fairy Tale Series No. 8. R.H. Chamberlain, translator. KÅ�bunsha 弧文社 (Hasegawa TakejirÅ� é•·è°·å·�武次郎). Meiji 19 [1886]. 14.7 x 9.7cm small, crepe paper book opens Western style and has decorated wrappers. Perfect-bound with holes for sewing. 12 cho with story ending and woodcut on rear inside wrapper. Colophon in Japanese on inside front wrapper. This volume was published by the Hasegawa family when they were known as KÅ�bunsha, working from the address in Minami SaegichÅ� å�—ä½�柄æoe¨ç”º Tokyo, their first address. Colored woodcut illustrations with English text tell a charming folklore story of traditional Japan. In this Rip Van Winkle-style tale, a young fisherman travels to the Dragon Palace with his new wife, only to return centuries later with a mysterious box. Binding is starting at top. Chipping and small tears along binding on front wrapper. Spots of toning on rear wrapper and some pages. The letter "Y" is handwritten on the first page. Strong colors and printing. .

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Book number: 90923

Catalogue: Japan and East Asia

Geijutsu Shinchå� 芸術新潮 # 138

Geijutsu ShinchÅ� 芸術新潮 # 138 Shinchosha 新潮社 Tokyo June 1961 25.5 x 18cm periodical has a reproduced artwork in red with black down the center and title in red outlined in white. Article on the First Gutai exhibition at the Takashimaya dept store on pp. 70-1. With Japanese text and 7 reproduced black and white photos of the artwork in situ. The article is titled, "Zenei Kenchikuka nomita Jikkenten: Gendai Bijutsu no Jikken å‰�衛建築å®
¶ ã�®ã�¿ã�Ÿå®Ÿé¨“展 - "ç�¾ä»£ç¾Žè¡“ã�®å®Ÿé¨“" 展ã�¨å-·ä½“展 [An Avant Garde Architect Viewed an "Experimental Exhibition" - First Gutai Exhibition]. Toning to pages and covers. .

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Book number: 91020

Catalogue: Japan and East Asia

The Geijutsu Shinchå� 芸術新潮 Vol. 8 #9

1957. The Geijutsu Shinch� 芸術新潮 Vol. 8 #9 Shinchosha 新潮社 Tokyo September Showa 32 [1957] 21 x 14.9cm magazine has a blue cover design with the title in red while the rear cover features advertisements. Art periodical Geijutsu Shinch� 芸術新潮 has been in publication for 72 years; first established in 1950 it continues to be published today. The publication is described on the rear cover as "A monthly review of fine arts, literature, music, play, movies, radio, etc." Inside is a two-page spread on pp. 12-13 with 5 black and white reproduced photos of Gutai performance art. Three of the photos appear to be live action shots while the other two are informal shots of a performer practicing and at ease. Japanese title and text with identifying information on each photo and a blurb on each page. Toning to covers with wear on edges and a crease on lower front cover. Wear and creasing to spine and dust staining of back cover. .

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Book number: 91023

Catalogue: Japan and East Asia