Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

1839-1892

Portraits of the Characters in the Suikoden, First Series
(Shuzo Suiko Meimeiden-Shohen)

1 vol. complete; the title page followed by two diptychs and 36 single sheet portraits (some functioning as diptychs), string bound with embossed orange covers with original paper title Shuzo Suiko Meimeiden shohen (part 1), the interior title page framed by a decorative border with Western-style cherubs, with the title, Shuzo Suiko Meimeiden shohen, with editor's name to the right, Kokyoan Kasen hen (editor); and artist's name to the left, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi hitsu (drawn by), and Choko (carver) Egawa Ichigoro, and the publisher Ohashidoshi (Odawara Yashichi); preface with two double-page spreads and dated Keio 3; the colphon with artist's name Ipposai Yoshitoshi ga, 1867

ehon 7 1/8 by 4 3/4 in., 18 by 12 cm

This rare book is an early example of Yoshitoshi's book illustrations. There is also a two-volume edition printed in black with blue highlights.

References:
H. Kerlen, Catalogue of Pre-Meiji Japanese Books and Maps in Public Collections in the Netherlands, 1996, p. 683, ref. no. 1631
Yuriko Iwakiri, Yoshitoshi, 2014, p. 2019, no. 3-2
National Diet Library, Tokyo, accession no. W142-20 (part one)
National Museum of Asian Art, The Gerhard Pulverer Collection, accession no. FSC-GR-780.646 (part two)

(inv. no. C-3475)

price: Sold