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Edo 1864, Suharaya. Vol.1. Yellow stiff stitched wrs., [18] double-folded leaves =36 color plates,2p.text, 11.8 x 18 cm. covers a bit dusty, contents very clean & solid, woodblock printed on mulberry Washi paper. RARE FIRST & ONLY EDITION . *** **** *** . . FAMOUS PLACES AND NATIRE IN JAPAN: A BIRD'S EYE VIEW . . . OF LANDSCAPE, FLOWERS, PLANTS, VEGETABLES & ANIMALS . . . WONDERS OF THE NATURAL WORLD . . * THE ARTIST: HASHIMOTO Gyokuran [Gyokuransai] aka. UTAGAWA Sadahide [1807-1873]: . He was an excellent artist, stylist, book illustrator, cartographer, Ukiyo-e print & painter who dogged foreigners in Yokohama. He made large numbers of "Yokohama-E" [Yokohama prints] depicting foreigners and fstrange oreign life style in Yokohama. . He was also well-known throughout Japan as a stunning map maker and landscape artist, often using the "Bird's Eye View" style of perspective to depict his broad views. . He specialized in grand panoramic views, showing wide expanded perspectives. His works were charming and expressed a kind of unique visual skill. He also produced a good number of Imperial, Shogun and military processions in panoramic style. . He lived in Edo & worked under the master painter & Ukiyo-e print-maker Kunisada I. He was a prolific print maker and cartographer. His "Bird's Eye View" maps are among the most spectacular and decorative ever done in the mid-19th century and show a high degree of artistic skill, excellent composition and the foreign principles of three-dimensional drawing. He was truly a unique and creative artist and far ahead of his time. Aventually he moved to Yokohama to watch and draw foreigners. . *** "GOD'S CREATIONS: This work is Sadahide's interpretation of his concept of how "God's Creations" were spread throughout Japan. He drew all of the beautiful and impressive, natural & botanical items with flair, giving animals an almost human face with expression. His joy in drawing and showing nature in the best light is evident by the fabulous images he left for the world to enjoy. . * THE SUBJECT OF THE BOOK: Each volume follows the same format: inside front cover a color title page, followed by 2 pages text, the balance of the book [number of pages vary] are color illustrations, consisting of either single page or double page, inside the back cover is the colophon. Cover colors vary. . AN 8 VOLUME SET: Note we only have the volumes we listed, per Edgren he states there are 8 volumes in all, we can not verify that information. See below. . Volume 1: Floral botanicals & animals. This example is a kind of 'dictionary,' beginning with pink Botan [peony] flowers in full bloom, lilies & Nasu [eggplant]. The next bulbs, opposite page is divided into 8 squares showing Asagao [morning glories, following pages again 16 squares, 8 are mushrooms, the other 8 are sprouted examples. . Next again 8 sections of Asagao, and a full page of Lotus. Next page of water chestnuts, opposite side of baby mice and adults. . The next continues with 2 pages various duck eggs and opposite side shows geese. Then double pages of: a buffalo; tiger; frog & birds. Single pages show: sparrows, rabbits, dragon, snake, horses, toads/frogs, butterflies, * Vol.2: * Vol.3: Covers landscape, statues [temple demons, Gods] botanicals and animals. NOTE: this volume comes with the original color printed slip cover chemise, please see the image posted to our website: illus15.jpg. . It begins with 9 double-page color landscape view of: Tsushu volcanic Mount Fuji and a bridge over the river, Sesshu waterfall, distant view of Mr. Fuji and a small dragon island and its shrine, temple shrine along the shore line, Mikaha no Kuni Horaiji temple, Goshu Yabashi coast line and sailing vessel, Kahi no Kuni Shimo Gun extended bridge, a spectacular engineering example ! Hizen double bridge & Banshu hamlet. Followed by 13 giant temple demons or Gods and protectors. A double-page of the loofa sponge gourd, Warabi [fern fiddle heads], a leopard, and a double-page.
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