Gyokuko Gashu Playful, woodblock printed illustrations
[Japan] Lovely book by the little known artist Shimomura Gyokuko (1878-1926), who also seems to have been referred to as Tamahiro. He studied under Kono Bairei. This large book has 15 pages of colour, woodblock prints depicting comical views of Japanese fairy tales such as Urashima Taro, the Turtle and the Hare, Takatori Hime etc. There are also 32 black and white photographic illustrations showing abstract images of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac and hand shadow figures.
Kyoto. Honda Kinnosuke. 1925. Sold by Unsodo.
49 leaves (printed on one side only). 36.9 x 25.3cm.
In good to very good condition. Covers worn and cracked at fold line but holding by original lining paper. Easy to repair. Internally very good with a few stray marks and slight darkening of paper. Minor transfer of colour prints to rear of following page. b33040903b
