Azuma No Teburi (Customs of the Eastern Capital, with subtitle, Scenes of the Great Peace)

Chinnen's first book:””Azuma no Teburi” (Customs of the Eastern Capital, with subtitle, Scenes of the Great Peace), published in Edo, 1829. This work ranks high among the large group in book history which illustrates the ordinary doings and customs of the day. Jack Hillier (Art of the Japanese Book, 1987, admires it especially: ”Among the twenty-five double page prints are some of the masterpieces of Shijo in color print. Soft transparent pastel-like shades were employed and used broadly over areas sufficiently large to enable one fully to savor individual colors.” Hillier reproduces several of which one can most enjoyably admire the double page of preparing nori (seaweed). The colors are less brilliant than in the ”Sonan Gafu” by the same artist but the effect is not less dashing. Chinnen's books follow across more directly from one page to the next book. Original binding of silver printed over pale blue paper covers. Hillier, pp. 770-775; C.H. Mitchell, The Illustrated Books of the Nanga, Maruyama, Shijo and Other Related Schools of Japan, 1972, pg. 214.…