Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)

Rare Japanese Book 1876 Era Meiji (3 Vol.) - Art Catalogue / Tea Ceremony - Maruyama - Private Collection Provenance.
Rare complete set of 3 volumes of the work titled Maruyama Shōkai Zuroku (圓山勝會圖録) presented in its original indigo fabric protective case (chito), closed by traditional bone hooks (kohaze).
This miniature masterpiece exhaustively documents the famous and vast exhibition of art and literati held in the Maruyama district of Kyoto at the end of 1875.
Original edition: May 1876 (9th year of the Meiji era) Place of publication: Kyoto, Japan Publisher: Reputable publishing house Kumagai Kyūbei (熊谷久兵衛), with its red authenticity seal (hanko) present on the colophon.
Pocket dimensions (Mamehon): 14.2 x 9.7 cm (designed at the time to be slipped into the sleeve of a kimono).
Traditional binding (Fukuro-toji): The three volumes retain their original bright yellow covers. All pages in handmade washi paper are double (folded into a "pocket") and hand-stitched with silk thread.
Illustrated content: The books brim with superb wood engravings (xylographies) of high precision depicting: The office furniture, dream stones and fetish objects of the scholars. The complete arrangement and sacred utensils for the tea ceremony (Senchado).
Traditional court instruments of music (Koto, Biwa, mouth organ Shō...). Portraits of masters and prefaces in fluid cursive calligraphy (Sosho).
Exceptional provenance (History of the Book)
This work originates directly from the private collection of a French expatriate passionate about Japanese culture, art, and letters, who lived and worked in Japan from 1964 to 1984. Acquired on-site during that golden period of the Japanese art market.
Condition: Superb overall condition for a 150-year-old work. The washi paper has taken on a naturally golden patina. No major tears, bindings firmly intact, original case complete and functional. (See photos for details).