KODAI MOYOH SHIKI ZU KO: ILLUSTRATIONS OF ANCIENT PATTERNS &DESIGNS FOR CRAFTSME

[Japan n.d. c. 1875-80]. Black stitched embossed wrs., cover corners bit rubbed, contents clean, vols. 1 & 2 of 3 vol.set 25 double leaves per volume, ie 50 pages b.w. illustrations, average of 6 designs per page, nicely done. S C A R C E *** *** *** . . . SUPERB JAPANESE DESIGNS USED FOR ARTISTIC APPLICATION . . These designs were the inspiration for the craftsmen who worked on Tsuba, Menuki, sword furniture, lacquer ware, textiles, ceramics, Netsuke, Inro, Kimono & Obi. . Some of these designs are clearly extracted from the Midare or "cloud patterns" found on Japanese sword blades, some are based on sea & foam, waves, water related, the Buddhist swastika & Mandala, Buddhist wheel of life, other Buddhist symbols. . Others were mythological dragons, stylized birds and other animals, most of these are the basis for Tsuba. Stylized flower patterns and a host of others were made into textile patterns, embroidery work and again applied to ceramics and lacquer ware. . A superb resource and inspiration for any designer or student of art. What makes this design book exceptional, is the fact that the compiler has given tribute to the most famous artists of Japan's past by listing their names on the front cover who all contributed to the overall genre of Japanese graphic and practical arts. Including Tani Bunsho, Kikuike and a host of others who have made Japan's designs famous throughout the world. . Brilliantly executed. *** .