EXCEPTIONALLY RARE Hokusai FIRST EDITION (c1835) Diptych from 100 Views of Fuji

Description: Rochū ikada no Fuji (Fuji with Rafts in the Rushes)from the Fugaku hyakkei (One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji,) Vol. 1Woodblock by HokusaiFirst Edition from 1834/35 published by Nishimuraya Yohachi Exceptionally rare first edition printing of Hokusai's masterpiece, one of the world's most important illustrated books. Most impressions of these prints are from later editions published in the 1870s and afterwards, when the blocks had worn down substantially, or from later recuts of the block. First editions are impossible to find on the open market. The prior owner of this particular volume did the unthinkable and dismantled the book, trimming each print to its margins and mounting them with hinges on matboard. The diptych is adhered along the centerfold to form a complete image. While unfortunate, it also means that these staggeringly beautiful prints are ready to be framed and appreciated, and are not bound to the book form. The first two volumes of Hokusai's work were published in 1834-1835, employing the most accomplished woodcarvers working in Japan at the time. The third volume was postponed and published by another house and exhibit slightly less masterful technique. Since these were smaller scale prints than the Thirty-Six Views of Fuji, they required an much greater delicacy of touch. The workmanship in person is truly breathtaking. Complete volumes of the first edition have sold for $12,000-$25,000 at auction via Christies and Sotheby's. Many of these volumes have condition issues. (Even the impression held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art has wormholes.) This print has a few spots of foxing, but is otherwise is in beautiful condition with all the details visible. Sheet: 7 1/8 x 9 7/8 inch

Price: 1300 USD

Location: South Hadley, Massachusetts

End Time: 2024-12-03T16:46:01.000Z

Shipping Cost: 15 USD