Sōmoku kin’yōshū 草木錦葉集 [Brocade-Leaf Collection of Plants and Trees].
Numerous fine woodcuts throughout. Seven vols. 8vo, orig. blue patterned wrappers, orig. block-printed title labels on upper covers (labels a bit worn), new stitching. Edo, Kyoto, Osaka, & Nagoya: Suharaya Mohei et al., 1829.
First edition of this beautifully illustrated work on plants and trees that have variegated leaves, edged or patterned with different colors, in the form of splashes, spots, stripes, or intricate patterns. More than 1000 species of plants and trees are illustrated.
“Japanese gardeners and botanists were also intrigued by the variations of the foliage of certain species of plants — that is, to quote... More