JAPANESE ART FOLIO

Tokyo: K. Ogawa, 1898 - 1899. First Edition. Softcover. Plates are generally Fine with some light foxing to a few of the margins. A few of the wrappers are faded, but they are generally in very nice condition with no chips or tears. The slipcases are a bit worn, six of them soiled and spotted. Part 1 lacks its wrappers, and Parts 11 and 12 lack their slipcases. Overall Very Good and scarce. Folio (13" x 19") in original gray printed wraps issued in 12 monthly parts in slipcases. Complete set with a total of 72 prints, including 12 in color. Each part contains 6 individual prints by artists including Hokusai, Shunsho, Choshun, Ritsuo, Kaigetsudo, and many others. The first print in each portfolio is in color executed by T. Tamura. The other prints are uncolored collotypes by the publisher. Each plate is protected by a captioned tissue guard with a description in English. Each part housed in individual stiff board slipcase with printed title. In the preface the publisher states that the purpose of this publication is "to facilitate the study of Japanese art and to satisfy in a modest way the desire of many who can not enjoy the privilege of seeing the originals. It is the editor's hope to select the best examples of our acknowledged masters and to show the most striking features of all the artists as possible." Complete sets of this handsome publication are uncommon.