Sweets

1930 · ref. 219202 — Japan. No date. Circa1930. Volumes II and III of a three-volume series. A delightful pair of sketchbooks of watercolour designs for Japanese sweets or wagashi. Vol. II: 40pp. Vol. III: 40pp. Both volumes: 20.4 x 14.8cm; watercolour illustration and manuscript title on the upper cover of each volume; browning throughout covers a little worn still a delightful and unusual pair. This two-volume set of watercolour sketchbooks features delicately drawn designs and design concepts for Japanese sweets wagashi 和菓子. The volume titles suggest that the set was originally issued in three parts. Each page is filled with watercolour illustrations and brief handwritten captions presenting imaginative designs that reflect the seasonality of wagashi production. Accordingly the sketches include motifs such as New Year celebratory patterns seasonal flowers and scenic landscapes all translated into sweet designs. . unknown