Hokusai KATSUSHIKA

Rare edition in second printing, which can be translated under the title Hokusai Sketches, volume 9. 15 volumes were indeed published covering Hokusai's work. The first was published in 1814 and the last posthumously in 1878. The final volume is considered apocryphal by some art historians. The volume contains approximately 40 subjects, most on double pages in black, grey and flesh tones. It is essential to add that one cannot determine with certainty whether this is the first printing or a later printing, because on this subject, there was no difference for the Japanese, and the publisher reprinted volumes as needed, the notion of first printing not being relevant with regard to Japanese books. We know however that the publisher made a second printing of this book between 1828 and 1878. The later printings do not have the same publisher's name and often possess a date, which is not the case with the earlier printings.
Accordion-fold volume, bound by stitching. Grey diamond-patterned cover with title label and writing in red on white background. Very good copy, quite fresh.
The Hokusai manga treat varied subjects, scenes from daily life, but also warrior scenes, also scenes of typically Japanese legends, animals and flowers and landscapes, animated or not, notably Mount Fuji. It is generally considered that, after a period of intense production, Hokusai very carefully selected his sketches, and even redrew a certain number of them, arranging them according to the order we know today. However, Michener maintains that the layout of the different sketches on a given plate was actually decided by the engravers and publishers, and not by Hokusai himself. We should recall that the technique of Japanese printmaking is very close to the original drawing, since the ink drawing was applied to a piece of wood that the engraver carved, precisely following the lines of the drawing, which was itself destroyed by this operation. This volume contains numerous animated landscapes, warrior scenes,

First edition, rare, which can be translated under the title Hokusai's Sketches, volume 1. 15 volumes were indeed published covering Hokusai's work. The first was published in 1814 and the last posthumously in 1878. The final volume is considered apocryphal by some art historians. The volume contains approximately 30 subjects, most on double pages in black, grey and flesh tones. The preface to this first volume was written by Hanshi Sanjin, who presents the master's visit to Nagoya. It is essential to add that one cannot determine whether this is the first printing or a later printing, because on this subject, there was no difference for the Japanese, and the publisher reprinted volumes as needed, the notion of first printing not being relevant with regard to Japanese books. We know however that the publisher made a second printing of this book between 1828 and 1878. Later printings do not have the same publisher's name and often possess a date, which is not the case with earlier printings. Later printings do not have the same publisher's name and often possess a date, which is not the case with earlier printings.
Accordion volume, bound by stitching. Turquoise cover with title label and red writing on white ground. One stitch detached, without consequence for solidity. Small wormhole damage to lower margin of the first 3 leaves. Fine copy, very fresh, quite rare in this condition.
The Hokusai manga treat varied subjects, scenes from daily life, but also battle scenes, also scenes from typically Japanese legends, animals and flowers. It is generally considered that, after a period of intense production, Hokusai very carefully selected his sketches, and even redrew a certain number of them, arranging them in the order we know today. However, Michener maintains that the layout of the different sketches on a given plate was actually decided by the engravers and publishers, and not by Hokusai himself. We should recall that the technique of Japanese printmaking is very close to the original drawing, since the ink drawing was applied to a piece of wood that the engraver hollowed out, precisely following the lines of the drawing, itself destroyed by this operation.
Volume devoted to figures and animals.

Rare first edition, fifth volume of Hokusai's Mangas or Sketch Books. 15 volumes were published between 1815 and 1878, the fifth volume contains approximately 30 subjects, most on double pages in black, grey and flesh tones.
Accordion-fold volume, bound with stitching, black cover, some creasing to board edges, rubbing and small lacks. The red printed label is lacking to this copy. The first and last pages detached from boards. Creases, small lacks and discolouration to boards. Minor soiling.
Hokusai's mangas treat various subjects, the artist depicts Japan of the period, from everyday scenes to amusing moments, combining a great variety of subjects: the present volume focuses on temple architecture, their ceremonies, contemplative scholars, ladies from the Heian period (784-1192), nobles, samurai lords as well as divinities and onis (demons). One will also note a magnificent view of Mount Fuji and an impressive storm scene at sea. These different subjects were intended to serve as learning manuals for use by young artists, they would also serve as model collections for artisans and would even become a sort of illustrated encyclopedia of life and daily living in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868).
We should recall that the technique of Japanese printmaking is very close to the original drawing, since the ink drawing was applied to a piece of wood that the engraver hollowed out, following precisely the lines of the drawing, which was itself destroyed by this operation.

Rare first edition, translated as "Croquis de Hokusaï", volume 14. 15 volumes were actually published covering Hokusaï's work. The first was published in 1815 and the last posthumously in 1878. The final volume is considered apocryphal by some art historians. The 30 double-leaf volume contains around 39 engravings, 12 of which are double-page spreads, including many animated landscapes, real and mythological animals. There are 3 colors: beige, gray and black. It is difficult to determine wether it is a first or a later print run, as this detail made no difference in Japanese book collecting. The publisher reprinted volumes as needed. We do know, however, that the publisher produced several issues of this book between 1849 and 1878.
Volume in acordeon, bound by a seam. Bronze-green cover, with title label. Rubbing to front cover. Interior very fresh and clean. Printed on mulberry paper. A brown stain on the first 2 leaves. A good copy.
Hokusai manga deal with a variety of subjects, from scenes of everyday life to war scenes, as well as typical Japanese legends, animals and flowers. "It is generally considered that, after a period of intense production, Hokusai selected his sketches very carefully, and even redrew a number of them, arranging them in the order we know today. However, Michener maintains that the layout of the various sketches on a given plate was actually decided by the engravers and editors, not by Hokusai himself." Japanese printmaking technique remains very close to the original drawing's aesthetic, since the ink drawing was affixed to a piece of wood that the engraver carved out, precisely following the lines of the drawing, which was itself destroyed in the process. It was these volumes of drawings that made Hokusai's reputation in the Western world.

Hokusai Katsushika was a prolific and well-known Edo period printmaker, whose prints (among others) inspired the French avantgarde at the end of the 19th century.

Zen Hokusai Fuji shôkei
[Views of Mount Fuji]
Twelve views of Mount Fuji on double page extracts from the famous Trente-six vues du mont Fuji. The set forms an accordion measuring 18,5 by 252 cm. The series of 36 prints of views of Mount Fuji was published in 1831. The plates are mostly signed Zen Hokusai Litsu, the name the artist used around 1820.

Folding book (Orihon), without stitching, the two coverboards are glued against the first and last print. Gauffered beige cover with a view of Mount Fuji by Hokusai. Marks on the upper board, small white stains on five centimeters. Title label on fabric. An inventory label glued to the top left of the first board. Ex-libris written in ink “Ch. David” at the top of the second board.
The Trente-six vues du Mont Fuji place the master at the top of his art. The mythical volcano was long celebrated, in legends, literature and painting; the painter takes a well-known theme, and transforms it in completely new ways. Shown from multiple view points, in different lights, enhanced by ingenious framing and placing Mount Fuji at the centre of everyday Japanese life, the image of the volcano never repeats itself. Through the use of colour, Hokusai invents a new form of perspective, never seen before.

A rare and precious copy.