Shizhuzhai Shuhuapu 十竹斎書画譜: Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Painting and Calligraphy

Shizhuzhai Shuhuapu , no place (Japan), no date (probably 2nd half of 19th century); 6 of 8 volumes, thick paper covers with cover slips; cover of 1 volume with a small defect at lower left margin, the others are OK; circa 135 double page woodblock prints; 27.5 x 15.5 cm.

Printed on thin Chinese paper.

1. Vol: circa 19 double page woodblock prints and many calligraphies, 2 woodblocks with some brown staining from colors on opposite.

2. Vol: circa 20 double page woodblock prints and many calligraphies, 2 woodblocks with some brown staining from colors on opposite, 2 woodblocks with a brown stain (circa 3 cm).

3. Vol: circa 17 double page woodblock prints and many calligraphies; all woodblocks fine.

4. Vol: circa 38 double page woodblock prints; all woodblocks fine.

5. Vol: circa 18 double page woodblock prints and many calligraphies; all woodblocks fine.

6. Vol: circa 23 double page woodblock prints and many calligraphies; all woodblocks fine.

Japanese, 19. century Hishiya Magobei version of the Shizhuzhai Shuhuapu. This edition meets the colors and beauty of Chinese style (Nanga) as seen from Japanese eyes. A very lovely set.

Most pages in fine condition; paper has a natural tone.

The Shizhuzhai Shuhuapu ("Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Painting and Calligraphy"), produced by Hu Zhengyan between 1619 and 1633, set the highest standard for polychrome wood-block printing and helped influence the development of colour printing in Japan. It was the Bible of Nanga painters. Even today, it still amazes the observer by its beauty.