SAIGOKU SAN-JU^-SAN-SHO JUNREI EMAKI

1946. [SKETCH TOUR GENRE] NAKAZAWA Hiromitsu, artist. SAIGOKU SAN-JU^-SAN-SHO JUNREI EMAKI. Kyoto, Kanao Bun'endo^, publisher. Sho^wa 21 [1946]. Oblong folio of o^ban size woodblock prints after designs by Hiromitsu, detailing the famous pilgrimage sites (and sights) in western Japan. The blocks were cut by Okada Seijiro^ and the printers were Nishimura Kumakichi and Takagi Kiyomitsu. This portfolio project was initially completed and printed in 1925. This edition, printed from the same blocks at the very end of Kanao's life, was obviously issued as a companion piece to the THIRTY-SIX VIEWS OF OSAKA, which Kanao also published in 1946. The colors of the original 1925 edition were quite a bit more light and "crumbly" than the bolder colors used in this printing, which accord with that used in the Osaka series. (I personally like this bolder approach to Hiromitsu's work.) There are eleven color woodblock printed preliminary pages, a table of contents page, 37 pilgrimage views, a final portrait of Hiromitsu by an artist friend, and eleven typeset caption pages, explaining the pilgrimage sites, (in Japanese). A lovely and very important series of images, produced by the most important publisher of the "sketchtour" genre. A set in very nice condition, bound into the original printed covers (approx. 25 x 36.7 cm). Complete, in a tied chemise case.