Some Japanese Flowers by Kazumasa Ogawa Special edition with 37 chromo-collotype photo plates
[Japan] A stunning, deluxe publication by Japanese collotype photo pioneer Ogawa Kazumasa (1860-1929), who studied in the US in the early 1880s. These colour collotype photos were advanced technology at the time and very expensive to produce. Ogawa made cheaper editions of this title with paper covers and only 8-10 plates, but deluxe editions like this one are very scarce, even more so in this condition and with the original folding case. The Getty Museum has a similar book. This copy was inscribed by Ogawa in 1897 to a Professor Wood and we can assume this is Professor Robert William Wood (1868-1955) who pioneered infrared and ultraviolet photography. It is likely that Ogawa would have known about Wood's research in the mid-1890s. The photos are impressive and include lilies, irises, chrysanthemums, roses, peonies and more.
Tokio [Tokyo]. K. Ogawa F.R.P.S. Sold by Kelly & Walsh Ltd. 1897.
pp[2], 37 leaves of plates with labelled tissue interleaves. 38.8 x 29cm.
In fine condition. The book has a small dent in the middle of the bottom edge but is otherwise fine. The folding case has unfortunately been reinforced with clear tape and shows wear consistent with age but has protected the book very nicely. One of the case pins is missing. b36031586
