Hokusai Manga. Volume 5

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.