Légende de la Courtesane Otzoumi et du prêtre Bouddhique Itzari

[Anon.] [Illustrated Manuscript]

Published by N.p., [Paris?], 1920

About this Item

Stunning illustrated manuscript of a Japanese legend from the "City of Pleasure," concerning the beautiful courtesan, Otzoumi and the Buddhist priest, Itzari. The text of this story appeared in a compilation,La cité d'amour au Japon Courtisanes du Yoshuwara,by Dr. Tresmain-Trémolières in 1905. The cover and the spine of the paper folder which houses the manuscript both have written,manuscrit [a] Cottin.Perhaps this is a hint as to the author/artist, or perhaps means in the style of, say Eugène Cottin or another. The gouache pieces are bright, colorful, detailed, and fantastical, and to us seem to us to resemble the Art Deco style of George Barbier. Certainly a manuscript worthy of further study. From the library of Jacques Loreau (1920-2010), operatic tenor and avid collector of 19th and 20th century literature and theater. Two manuscripts, 7" x 9.25" preliminary draft, 23 pages, entirely illustrated and written in pencil. The other manuscript, 9" x 11.5", contains 17 leaves, recto and verso; the text written in pencil but with beautifully detailed gouache illustrations, 4 full page and the remainder inset in the text. Housed in a paper folder. The preliminary draft is toned and smudged in places while the color manuscript remains bright and clean. Seller Inventory # 6067

Bibliographic Details

Title: Légende de la Courtesane Otzoumi et du ...

Publisher: N.p., [Paris?]

Publication Date: 1920