Hiroshige

1963 · ref. 219837 — Tokyo.: 美術社. Bijutsusha. 1963 -1965. Fifty five charming colour woodblock prints 18.4 x 25.7cm complete including commentary in twenty seven envelopes 26.5 x 35cm booklet 16pp presented in a slipcase with two cord ties. Envelope number 17 is duplicated but the contents of the 16th part is inside one. The set being complete. Minor browning inside slipcase but otherwise in excellent condition. This beautiful collection presents Utagawa Hiroshige’s celebrated woodblock prints of the Tokaido route. Each print was produced using traditional methods of woodblock carving and printing. In the foreword the publisher notes that this collection represents the first publication of Hiroshige’s Tokaido prints issued after the end of the Pacific War. The set was sold by subscription over 27 monthly instalments between 1963 and 1965 as the cost of purchasing the complete collection at once would have been beyond the reach of many members of the public at that time. An interpretive booklet included with the set provides background on Hiroshige’s work and on the techniques of woodblock print production together with short descriptions of each print. The publisher’s remarks suggest a renewed sense of pride in Japan’s traditional culture in the post-war period and a desire among the public to reconnect with and possess examples of this artistic heritage. . 美術社. [Bijutsusha]. unknown