My favorite of the week, this is a late Edo period Japanese sketchbook, which I know from the seller in Japan I purchased it from is specifically dated 1849. It is completely filled with sumi ink drawings of birds and botanical specimens, all rendered with lyrical grace and what feels like much confidence and ease--and also with an eye to treating each two page spread as one composition. This is one you really want to hold in your hands--quite a special feeling thing, right down to the worm holes in a few of the pages, making one appreciate its survival all the more! And with several little folded paper pouches tucked inside of it--which unfold to reveal cut paper shapes with ink painted lettering and marks, perhaps components of a game of some sort? or templates for something? I'm not sure, but they're lovely.
10 7/8" x 7 3/4". 15 leaves filled both front and back, plus covers. All pages pictured. Lots of wear to covers and curling to the corners as evident. The paper is soft and strong, and curled corners could be pressed out. Scatted stains and a few worm holes, also as documented. Paper is soft, not brittle. Much more beautiful in hand. All pages bound except for three folded paper packets and one separate drawing, pictured at end of photos.
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