TALE OF GENJI SCROLL. A LIMITED EDITION OF 1,500 COPIES. THIS COPY IS NUMBER 652.

Ivan Morris, Introduction by Yoshinobu Tokugawa. Murasaki Shikibu.

Edité par Kodansha International Ltd. Tokyo, Japan. & Kodansha International USA Ltd. Palo Alto, California., 1971

In this production of this book, care has been taken to reflect as far as possible the Heian aesthetic tastes that gave birth to "THE TALE OF GENJI SCROLL". The vivid safflower red of the box was a colour worn by the highest ranking nobility, and also recalls, incidentally, the name given to the unfortunate, red-nosed Suetsumuhana. The lining of handmade rice-paper, scattered with gold leaf, echoes the decorated paper used for the scroll's sheets of calligraphy. The cloth cover, reproducing an aristocratic Heian wave design against a royal purple ground, was prepared by Takata Shizuo, whose family has for generations been designing and making ceremonial costumes for the Japanese Imperial Household. The purple is matched with pale greyish green, a combination ("Hollyhock") much favoured in Heian-period costume. The pattern used for the ribbon was know as "Woodpecker", since it suggested the effect produced on the bark of a tree by a Woodpecker's beak. Traditional Japanese Book-Making techniques are reflected in the extension of the spine to cover part of the head and tail of the volume, and in the use of ribbon in the bookbinding. The green wash on the endpapers, evocative of new spring foliage, is brushed on by hand. This type of shading from the base upwards was known as susogo, one of three basic types of colour graduation recognized in Heian Times and employed, for example, in the many-layered skirts of Heian costumes and in the dyeing of curtains of state. This is number 652, of a limited edition of 1500 copies. This amazing book, comes in an orange cloth coloured box, with lift out lid. The box is slightly faded and a tad grubby around the edges. The book, (resembles a wallpaper chart catalogue, and I don't mean to be disrespectful saying that) is in wonderful condition, looks like its hardly been used. Please note this is a used and second-hand collector's limited edition book and case, therefore normal wear and marks apply consistent with use and age. Design and layout by MAEDA DESIGN ASSOCIATION, typeset by General Printing Co. Ltd, Yokohama, Plates engraved and printed in 12- and 13- colour letterpress by Otsuka Kogeisha Co. Ltd, Toyo. Bound by Chobido Co. Ltd, Tokyo. The accuracy of the colour reproduction has been carefully checked with the original by Yoshinobu Tokugawa, Executive Director of the Tokugawa Reimekai Foundation. Please note that as this item is a large heavy book to include its case, postage may increase from listed price depending on final destination. An exceptional collection of Japanese scroll art, has been created in this fabulous book, its totally breathtaking what has been achieved, by very talented people. This book is an investment in Japanese history, literature and culture and is worth every single moment browsing through this special limited edition. N° de réf. du vendeur 940

Détails bibliographiques

Titre : TALE OF GENJI SCROLL. A LIMITED EDITION OF ...
Éditeur : Kodansha International Ltd. Tokyo, Japan. & Kodansha International USA Ltd. Palo Alto, California.
Date d'édition : 1971
Reliure : Hardcover
Etat : Very Good
Etat de la jaquette : Good
Edition : Limited Edition