12 richly colored paintings with sprays of gold (each 210 x 180 mm.), each mounted onto thick board. Small 4to (275 x 210 mm.), orig. patterned silk over heavy boards. [Japan]: Meiji-Taisho.

Cotton was introduced to Japan from China in the eighth century, but it was only in the late 15th century that it was grown with success. By the early 17th century, cotton production had spread to most areas of Japan. It became one of the most important commercial commodities of Edo-period Japan, replacing hemp as the standard fabric for commoner clothing.

This attractively illustrated album depicts in 12... More