The Heritage of Hiroshige - Dora Amsden & J.S. Happer - Japanese bound edition (ca. 1910-1920)

Description

A rare and superbly preserved Japanese bound Hiroshige edition that instantly catches the attention of any collector of Japanese art, ukiyo-e or early 20th-century Japonisme literature. The authentic Japanese binding with braided cord, maple leaf decor on textile and the sober, elegant cover make this an extremely attractive and visually powerful object for in an art library or Wunderkammer.

The Heritage of Hiroshige - A Glimpse at Japanese Landscape Art, written by Dora Amsden and J.S. Happer, is an early and now rare work on the life, techniques and landscape compositions of Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858). The text is rich in poetic descriptions, while the reproductions of landscapes, seasons, calligraphy and signatures have a particularly charming character. This early printing, probably published between c. 1910 and 1920, is among the most decorative Hiroshige publications of pre-war Japonism.

The interior shows beautiful and even ageing of the paper: warm, even and without tears or loose pages. The Japanese cord binding is intact, which is exceptional for copies of this age. The illustrations - including iconic Hiroshige landscapes, animals, poetry fragments and his various artist seals - are sharply printed and together form an inspiring journey through the artistic heritage of Edo-period Japan.

Origin & meaning
This type of early Hiroshige publications is part of the art historical wave of Japonism that influenced Europe and the US from the late 19th century onwards. Artists, collectors and museums used exactly this type of luxuriously executed booklets to study Japanese aesthetics. The object therefore has not only documentary value, but also cultural-historical significance: a tangible piece of the international fascination with Japanese art.

Dimensions & condition
Size approx. 23 × 18 cm. Japanese cord binding with textile backing.
Condition: very good for its age - light signs of use, warm even paper tone, cover with some age spots befitting an edition 100+ years old, binding firm and complete, no loose leaves.