HAIGA HO^

1909. (EHON) NAKAMURA Fusetsu & KAWAHIGASHI Hekigoto. HAIGA HO. Tokyo: Kokado, 1909. 23 x 15.4 cm. String-bound Japanese style in flexible covers with stamped title. This visual and textual examination of the relationship between "haiga", haiku drawings, and the the haiku themselves was a collaborative effort between Fusetsu, a Western-style oil painter who was also perhaps the most eminent practitioner of haiga in his day, and Hekigoto, a noted haiku poet. They were both intimates of Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902) and leaders of the influential literary circle associated with HOTOTOGISU magazine. Counting the decorative title page, there are 13 full page color woodcuts after designs by Fusetsu, 40 calligraphed haiku by Hekigoto reproduced in woodcut and a 38 page scholarly discussion by Fusetsu, as well as a few collotypes. A remarkable piece both visually and for its significance for the development of a new literary and visual aesthetic for Japan in the 20th century. Overall, this copy is very good in the very scarce, original, pictorial wraparound dustwrapper, which is split at the spine with some loss.