Orihon (accordion) album containing 12 fine paintings depicting the steps of harvesting and processing the raw cotton.
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 fine paintings the steps of processing the raw material and weaving the threads. The first two scenes depict women harvesting the cotton and placing bolls in baskets, where the cotton would dry. This is followed by a scene showing a woman “ginning” the cotton, separating the lint from the seed.
The compressed lint is shown in the next two scenes being spun into yarn on a hand-powered spinning wheel. The next scene shows two women boiling cotton for removal of further impurities. The following four scenes show further preparations for weaving.
The next scene shows two women carefully weaving the cotton threads, and the final scene depicts the women folding the finished fabric.
With the seals and signature of the artist Hashidate Shisen (1855-1921) on each image. He was known for his watercolor and ink paintings, often depicting traditional Japanese landscapes, architecture, and scenes such as cherry blossoms and historic landmarks.
In fine condition.
Price: $5,500.00
Item ID: 11070
