Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)

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A sheet of original sumi drawings laid onto Japanese paper, 14 x 8 in; 35.5 x 20.1 cms.: Four being preliminary designs for the book: Ehon teikin orai, “Communication of Home Precepts” published in three volumes by Eijudo in 1828 (second and third vols n.d.). Together with a small study of a frog (with Hayashi seal). Provenance: Ex Hayashi collection, sold at the Hayashi sale, L’Hotel Drouot, 2nd June, 1902, lot 44. There exist drawings copied from these books. However, the drawings here show Hokusai indicating areas of, for example, foliage or flooring, which are then completed in detail by a pupil or block-copyist for the block-cutter. Obviously drawings copied from the book show these finished details. Laid around edges on old mount. Sold “as is” with minor imperfections.

Status: Sold