Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)

Title Hokusai - Wakan Ehon Sakigake, Shohen (The Book of Warriors) - Meiji Edition (circa 1870) Description: Splendid original woodblock-printed volume (ehon) entitled Wakan Ehon Sakigake, Shohen (和漢 絵本魁 初編), masterfully illustrated by the legendary Ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849). This lot is a fascinating early Meiji period edition (circa 1870-1875), printed using the original woodblocks carved in 1836 (Tenpō era). The volume constitutes the first chapter of the renowned trilogy that Hokusai dedicated to the deeds, strength and courage of the greatest warriors in history and myth of Sino-Japanese origin. The book includes the original calligraphic preface (signed by Hokusai with the famous pseudonym Gakyō rōjin Manji) and unfolds in a dynamic sequence of spectacular two-page illustrations (diptychs). Among the plates of exceptional graphic vigor, the scene of the acrobatic and close-quarters struggle between a heroic warrior and a gigantic koi carp among the foaming waves stands out for its iconographic importance, an iconic image with universal impact, long a fundamental reference point for the traditional art of Japanese tattooing (Horimono/Irezumi). The final colophon lists the network of publishers and distributors who handled its commercial diffusion from the Edo era to the advent of the Meiji era. Condition: In generally good condition, fully consistent with a early Meiji period edition. The original cover in dark green-blue spent paper shows a refined geometric debossed pattern and the normal signs of wear and age on the edges; it still retains the original title cartouche pasted on the left. Inside, the traditional stitched binding is intact and firmly holds the washi paper pages together. The woodblocks display clear, clean inking with a beautiful rendering of the contrasts of black sumi. A physiological and uniform yellowing of the paper and minor foxing of the time are noted but do not disturb the visual quality of the illustrations. Structurally solid, free from invasive restorations and free from worm tracks. A genuine and highly charming specimen.

Estimate:$224.74

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