Mamebon Japonnais - Non attribué - Japan
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Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Mamebon Japonnais, woodblock book, measuring 12 by 8 cm, dating to around 1880, in excellent condition, unsigned, original edition, origin Japan, sold by owner or dealer.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Rare small illustrated Japanese book, woodblock-printed (mamebon), dating from the late Meiji period, probably around 1880–1900.
This exceptionally small volume measures about 12 × 9 cm closed, linking it to the tradition of mamebon, these tiny Japanese books designed to be held in the hand.
The book is printed on traditional Japanese paper, by means of the xylographic technique, with precise black lines and delicate polychrome impressions.
The illustrated pages constitute a remarkable visual repertoire of traditional Japanese subjects. Notably, they include:
- figures and different types of costumes;
- artisans and scenes of trades;
- animals and birds;
- horses and travelers;
- plants and flowers;
- household objects and tools;
- scenes of daily life;
- different attitudes, postures and gestures.
A final plate, particularly interesting, presents drawing studies organized according to a grid, which suggests that the work was not intended solely to be looked at, but could also serve as a pattern book or reference for drawing, allowing the study and reproduction of characters and natural forms.
The illustrations are arranged as a sequence of small studies rather than a continuous narrative, giving the overall work the character of a small visual and practical manual.
The work retains its traditional Japanese side-sewn binding (fukuro-toji). The polychrome covers are themselves printed according to the tradition of Japanese woodblock printing.
The front cover features a richly dressed man accompanied by a woman, in a composition inspired by the visual language of ukiyo-e. The back cover is adorned with three circular motifs evoking emblems or seals.
The title, the artist and the publisher could not be identified with certainty from the pages and covers preserved. No attribution to a famous artist is therefore offered.
Condition
Old-state condition corresponding to the age and historical use of the item.
The vast majority of the illustrations remains perfectly legible and the original colors are still remarkably present.
The photographs are an integral part of the condition description and should be examined carefully.
Rare small illustrated Japanese book, woodblock-printed (mamebon), dating from the late Meiji period, probably around 1880–1900.
This exceptionally small volume measures about 12 × 9 cm closed, linking it to the tradition of mamebon, these tiny Japanese books designed to be held in the hand.
The book is printed on traditional Japanese paper, by means of the xylographic technique, with precise black lines and delicate polychrome impressions.
The illustrated pages constitute a remarkable visual repertoire of traditional Japanese subjects. Notably, they include:
- figures and different types of costumes;
- artisans and scenes of trades;
- animals and birds;
- horses and travelers;
- plants and flowers;
- household objects and tools;
- scenes of daily life;
- different attitudes, postures and gestures.
A final plate, particularly interesting, presents drawing studies organized according to a grid, which suggests that the work was not intended solely to be looked at, but could also serve as a pattern book or reference for drawing, allowing the study and reproduction of characters and natural forms.
The illustrations are arranged as a sequence of small studies rather than a continuous narrative, giving the overall work the character of a small visual and practical manual.
The work retains its traditional Japanese side-sewn binding (fukuro-toji). The polychrome covers are themselves printed according to the tradition of Japanese woodblock printing.
The front cover features a richly dressed man accompanied by a woman, in a composition inspired by the visual language of ukiyo-e. The back cover is adorned with three circular motifs evoking emblems or seals.
The title, the artist and the publisher could not be identified with certainty from the pages and covers preserved. No attribution to a famous artist is therefore offered.
Condition
Old-state condition corresponding to the age and historical use of the item.
The vast majority of the illustrations remains perfectly legible and the original colors are still remarkably present.
The photographs are an integral part of the condition description and should be examined carefully.
Details
Artist
Non attribué
Sold by
Owner or reseller
Edition
Original
Title of artwork
Mamebon Japonnais
Technique
Woodcut print
Signature
Not signed
Country of origin
Japan
Year
1880
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
12 cm
Width
8 cm
Weight
30 g
Period
1900-1910
Sold with frame
No
Sold by
