Nishiyama KAN’EI (1834-1897)

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A very fine and beautiful book: Kan’ei gafu, “Album of Drawings by Kan’ei.” One volume complete with 25 double page illustrations of birds and flowers. Kan’ei ( proper name Nishiyama Kenichiro ) was an Osaka artist and the son and pupil of Nishiyama Hoen. The 2pp. preface, dated Meiji 19 ( 1886 ); 2pp. colophon dated the same and gives the artist’s name Nishiyama Kenichiro; the publisher Maekawa Zembei of Osaka and the printer’s and block cutter’s name. See colour illustration in Jack Hillier, The Art of the Japanese Book, 1987, pl. 188 where he states “……his one book confirms the view, gained from the relatively few kakemono and album drawings, that he possessed greater individuality than most of the Shijo practitioners of the time.” Original brocade covers with original title slip. No two examples of this work are the same: Every copy has different antique brocade boards with the edges deliberately distressed ( presumably to give a wabi-sabi spirit to the work ).

Obviously an expensive work at the time with superb printing on thick paper. Minor defects: Slight damp staining on colophon and slight creasing and pin holes, but generally very good condition.

Status: Sold