Approx. 40 brush & ink drawings in black & white. Scroll (180 x 1440 mm.), central core roller. At end (in rough trans.): “Many generations of Sōami bonsan 100 rules & styles. Extremely secret. All the information passed down by mouth is listed here. Handle this information with great care and keep it close. Given by Ishioka Seisaku 石岡正朔 in September 1796 to Zuihōken no Yahiroko 瑞芳軒之八尋子.”

Bonsan, miniature mountain gardens, is a sub-category of bonkei 盆景 (tray-garden landscapes). Created to fit into small containers, good bonsan convey the texture, color, and form of natural mountainous scenery. These small tray... More