Notes on Japanese Art

Liverpool: Printed for Private Circulation, [By David Marples, Printer Lord Street], 1872. First edition. 11" x 8 1/4". Illustrated paper over thick card, a. E. G. First edition. Pp. [3], [title, blank], 4-31, [statement of printer], followed by 72 unnumbered pages with 20 original black and white photographs measuring between 3 3/4" x 2 ½" and 8" x 5 1/2" with accompanying description of each on opposite page. Good: ex-library with the usual markings; corners bumped, generally scattered foxing save for endpapers where it is more pronounced; dampstaining pp. 23-31 not affecting text; tape repair on gutters of four plates; pages wavy. George A. Audsley was a man of many talents, skilled in architecture, illustration, and writing. He is most notable for designing the Wanamaker Organ in Philadelphia. This copy was inscribed to Sir M. Digby Wyatt, British architect, art historian, and Surveyor of the East India company. He was part of the famous Wyatt family of architects whose work spanned 18th and 19th century England. The images on the plates were from the collection of James L. Bowes, Esq. Audsley presented this essay to the Architectural Association in London, expounding upon his observations on Japanese art while humbly downplaying his knowledge in the field. He claims he is not an expert, but he is cognizant of the distinct characteristics of Japanese art, including an eye toward the natural world of flowers and trees, mountains and clouds, waves and waterfalls, and a wide variety of animals. He notes the skillful sense of color, and even the penchant for the humorous and the grotesque. Further observations are explained more fully in sections titled Enamels, Lacquer Work, Porcelain, Metal Work, Textile Work, and Carved Works. One in the trade as of May 2019, and two copies of the later 1874 edition. This item is offered by Langdon Manor Books, LLC, antiquarian booksellers. Please do not hesitate to contact us for additional information and/or photos and we will respond promptly. We package our items carefully, ship daily, and have a no hassle returns policy--your satisfaction is guaranteed. We are members of the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA) , the International League of Antiquarian Booksllers (ILAB) and the Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA) and adhere to their rules of ethics.