An Important Pattern Book

TACHIKAWA, Tomifusa.

Yamato eyoshu [trans.: Collection of Traditional Japanese-style Wood Carving Patterns].

Numerous woodcuts in the text, mostly full-page. Four vols. Large 8vo, orig. blue wrappers (some mostly marginal worming) bound in orihon style (accordion), block-printed title labels on each upper cover. Tokyo: Suharaya Mohe, 1763.

First edition of this important and handsomely illustrated work on Japanese-style wood-carved motifs and patterns which stem from the “Tachikawa [or Tatekawa] Ryu” school of design, decoration, and building techniques. Tachikawa (active 1763-71), a master carpenter who lived in Tokyo, focused on the taisha-zukuri (or oyashiro-zukuri), which is the oldest Shinto shrine style.

The handsome woodcuts depict a series of small motifs and larger designs for carvings on pillars, rafters, gables, and other structural elements of a shrine or house. The book, printed in the orihon style, allows for the consecutive pages to be laid out for multi-page overhead schematic views. Most of the woodcuts are highlighted by hand in red as guides for correct proportions and placement of ornaments.

Very good set and very rare. Occasional stains.

Price: $3,750.00

Item ID: 5391