Item ID: 11529 Two woodblocks, carved on both sides, used in printing the first four consecutive folding leaves of the second volume of Shōtoku Taishi den zue 聖德太子傳圖會 [The Biography of Prince Shōtoku, Illustrated] (Kyoto: Maruya Zenbei 丸屋善兵衛, Preface dated 1804), by Wakabayashi Katsumitsu 若林葛滿, accompanied by the actual printed work in six 8vo vols. WOODBLOCKS, JAPANESE BOOK.

WOODBLOCKS & BOOK, JAPANESE.

Two woodblocks, carved on both sides, used in printing the first four consecutive folding leaves of the second volume of Shōtoku Taishi den zue 聖德太子傳圖會 [The Biography of Prince Shōtoku, Illustrated] (Kyoto: Maruya Zenbei 丸屋善兵衛, Preface dated 1804), by Wakabayashi Katsumitsu 若林葛滿, accompanied by the actual printed work in six 8vo vols.

Two woodblocks (each 203 x 393 mm.). Kyoto: 1804.

A rare occurrence: we offer two woodblocks, carved on both sides, including one double-page woodcut, and the resulting printed work. The woodblocks offer an excellent representation of different layouts: two pages of table of contents, four pages of text, and two pages of a fine double-page woodcut. These show an attractive variety of methods of carving.

This is a notable woodcut book, with illustrations by Nishimura Baikei 西村梅溪 (1758-1835), who uses the name Hokkyō Chūwa 法橋中和 on the title-page. Nishimura was a Kyoto-based ukiyo-e artist, specializing in illustrated woodcut books, especially illustrated guides to famous places, narrative fiction, and historical works. Imperial Prince Shōtoku (574-622) was an ardent Buddhist who undertook to promote its doctrines throughout Japan. He was also instrumental in modernizing the government’s administration.

Wakabayashi (active 1804-13) was a prolific yomihon author of historical works.

These woodblocks and printed work would be very useful for a teaching collection of the global history of the book.

The two woodblocks and the printed volumes are in fine condition. The books are preserved in a chitsu.