Japanese Paper-Making (True First Edition with the two original specimen papers and Hokuseido Press (sales?) slip tipped-in.)

Scarce, First Edition (1954) published in Tokyo and in FINE condition whilst dw only Fair condition. Hardback (7 in.) beautifully bound in handmade grey paper (overlay?) with dispersed circular turquoise/aqua markings. Very slight paler strip to top edge. Title to original, slender, Washi- covered spine. Attractive and original end-papers, clean with no inscription. Coloured Japanese print frontispiece (1770). iv, 60pp + [1]. Copyright statement and six 'by same author list (iv). Forward with Nagita's printed signature and dated August 1954 (v). Two specimen papers tipped-in (Gampi and Kozo paper), both undamaged (vi). Contents and List of Illustrations (pp.1-2), A Brief History of Japanese Hand-made Paper (pp.3-21). [p.61]: the type of paper used for this book is acknowledged as is the manufacturing company. The reverse side of the rear free end-paper has the original Hokuseido Press sales(?) slip tipped in. This has resulted in a pale sepia off-set strip to the opposite blank page. The wrapper is worn and discoloured in places with some edge loss; the spine area has been strengthened inside with non-Japanese type tape. The paper-making print to the wrapper front is not marked (see pic.). "The natural beauty of Japanese paper, however, can hardly be brought about by means of machinery." (p.40). …