A significant post-war collaboration executed on the inferior-quality materials available in immediate post-war Japan. The expressionistic, sometimes raw printing style marks a deliberate departure from traditional ukiyo-e precision. Ten leading artists contributed: Saito Kiyoshi, Gen Yamaguchi, Wakayama Yasoji, Maekawa Senpan (2 images), Doshun Mori, Kuroki Sadao, Umetaro Azechi, Kawanishi Hide, Maeda Masao, and Junichiro Sekino (2 images). Each print depicts scenes of rural Japanese life during a pivotal moment of cultural transition. The prints are signed in the image and identified on the back (verso) of the enclosing paper frames. The accompanying text positions the portfolio as both a documentation of traditional customs and a foundation for post-war cultural renewal, noting that these " humble customs and festivals will also become the mother's milk of Japanese people to bring up the peaceful heart filled with love and piousness." Portfolio containing twelve original woodblock prints, complete with title sheet, explanatory booklet (in Japanese with English introduction), and original ribbon tie and paper label. Prints measure 7-1/4 x 9-1/4 inches (or reverse) on larger paper frames, portfolio 10-1/2 x 13-1/2 inches. An uncommon collection of prints, with just one listing in OCLC (in Japan) along with holdings in the British Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the Portland Art Museum, and the Carnegie Museum of Art. First edition. An exceptional set, complete with all twelve images in the original paper frames, with English and Japanese captions on the frame versos (back). The prints are exceptionally clean and bright; the title sheet and the explanatory text (mostly in Japanese) are present and fine. The enclosing portfolio is very near fine, with minor loss to the paper covering in a few places. Seller Inventory # 307592

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Bibliographic Details

Title: 12 Original Wood Blocks in Color of Japanese...

Publisher: Fugaku Honsha, Tokyo

Publication Date: 1946

Binding: Ephemera

Condition: Fine

Signed: Signed by Author(s)

Edition: First Edition.

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Downtown Brown Books, LLC
25 NW 23rd Pl, STE 6 PMB 148, Portland, OR, 97210, U.S.A.

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