[UTAGAWA, HIROSHIGE]. 歌川広重.

東海道五十三驛画集. [Tōkaidō Gojūsantsugi gashū].
Collection of Woodblock Prints of the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.

[Tokyo]. 美術社. [Bijutsusha]. [1963 - 1965]. Stock ID #219837

Fifty five charming colour woodblock prints (18.4 x 25.7cm, complete including commentary ) in twenty seven envelopes (26.5 x 35cm}, booklet (16pp), presented in a slipcase with two cord ties. Envelope number 17 is duplicated but the contents of the 16th part is inside one. The set being complete. Minor browning inside slipcase but otherwise in excellent condition.

This beautiful collection presents Utagawa Hiroshige’s celebrated woodblock prints of the Tokaido route. Each print was produced using traditional methods of woodblock carving and printing. In the foreword the publisher notes that this collection represents the first publication of Hiroshige’s Tokaido prints issued after the end of the Pacific War.

The set was sold by subscription over 27 monthly instalments between 1963 and 1965, as the cost of purchasing the complete collection at once would have been beyond the reach of many members of the public at that time. An interpretive booklet included with the set provides background on Hiroshige’s work and on the techniques of woodblock print production, together with short descriptions of each print.

The publisher’s remarks suggest a renewed sense of pride in Japan’s traditional culture in the post-war period, and a desire among the public to reconnect with and possess examples of this artistic heritage.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 219837.

Price: $1,250.00 AU

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