Ancient Artifacts & Antiquities
Lot 316:
"Tokaidochu Hizakurige" by Tamenobu Fujikawa (Complete Wood Block Print Book) 1918
The "Tokaidochu Hizakurige" by Tamenobu Fujikawa is a rare Meiji-period accordion-style album of woodblock prints depicting the comic travels of Yajirobe and Kitahachi along the Tokaido Road, blending traditional ukiyo-e design with early 20th-century print innovations. This woodblock print book, titled "Tokaido Meisho Hizakurige Gajo" translates as "Scenic Spots on the Tokaido – Shank’s Mare Picture Album" and was created by Meiji period artist Tamenobu Fujikawa, who was active circa 1890–1910. The album directly illustrates scenes from the famous 19th-century picaresque novel "Tokaidochu Hizakurige" by Ikku Jippensha, originally published in 1802 and 1822, chronicling the humorous misadventures of two country yokels, Yajirobe and Kitahachi, as they travel on foot along the Tokaido Road between Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto, Japan. The album is visually comparable to the earlier ukiyo-e depictions of the Tokaido Road, most famously rendered by Hiroshige Utagawa in his "53 Stations of the Tokaido" series which was published in 1918. Fujikawa’s version emphasizes a narrative and comic perspective tied to the novel rather than solely landscape scenes. Book is complete with title page and all woodblock prints. The number 2 woodblock print is not in its spot and there is seperation in a couple places as is typical of this accordian style of book. Cover has a little wear as shown in photos. Internally woodblock prints are still in very good to excellent condition and are all present. A very rare Japanese book of Woodblock Prints published in the early 20th century. Rare and highly sought-after collector’s item, particularly in complete album form. Individual prints from the series have circulated in auctions and galleries worldwide, with notable examples available in Oban yokoe format and framed collections. Auction and gallery records show that prints often fetch notable prices due to their artistic quality, historical significance, and Meiji-era provenance. From the late Leonard E. Wally Estate Collection. Book measures 14 3/8" by 9 3/4" by 2" thick.
Condition: Authentic
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