East Asia, Japan, Edo period, ca. mid 19th century. A wonderful group of eight Japanese Ehon woodblock illustrated books featuring vibrant covers and partially illustrated text. Woodblock printing in Japan is a technique best known for its use in the ukiyo-e single sheet prints, however, it was also used to create books during the same period. Here we have three matched pairs and two additional books. Note how the matched pairs have similar backgrounds, and the covers of two pairs create a continuous image when juxtaposed. Approximate size of each book: 7" L x 4.625" W (17.8 cm x 11.7 cm)

Interestingly, the Japanese mokuhanga technique differs from the Western woodcut in that it uses water-based inks as opposed to oil-based inks. These water-based inks provide a broad range of vivid colors as displayed here.

Provenance: private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection, acquired before 2010

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#170313

Books show expected wear with stains, creases, abrasions, minor tears/losses to peripheries, and fading in areas commensurate with age. Two have water damage as shown.