Onchi Koshiro Shibun-shû KISETSU-HYÔ de ONCHI Koshiro - 1935

1935. ONCHI Koshiro. Onchi Koshiro Shibun-shû KISETSU-HYÔ. Tokyo: Aoi- Shobo. Showa 10 [1935]. This copy is #50 of only 50 deluxe copies from a total edition of 200. 3 full-page color illustrations by Onchi. Folio, 36 x 31 cm, printed on very heavy paper, bound in gilt-printed Japanese paper over boards. Besides the illustrations, Onchi wrote the poems in this collection and was responsible for the book's design. The text reproduces his calligraphy. The book is signed by Onchi and contains a photogravure portrait of him. Interestingly, it is rendered a unique copy by the fact that Onchi further presented the book to a "Saitô-shi" and wrote a poem dated January 1936 on the signature page. This is the deluxe and only complete edition of this work, being bound in hard covers and having all three illustrations Onchi designed for it. Since the printer never intended for these deluxe copies to be read, each of the first 50 copies of the deluxe edition was accompanied by a "reading copy" (with no prints) printed on kyokushi paper which was "hors commerce" and combined in a portfolio with the deluxe edition. There were a further 200 copies, also on kyokushi but with one print mounted within, comprising the "fukan" edition. Our copy has parted ways with its reading copy companion. There remains some doubt as to whether the "fukan" editon with its one plate was ever intended as a "reading copy" companion to the deluxe edition, as we have also seen an unnumbered, unillustrated hors commerce "reading copy" combined in portfolio with a deluxe edition copy. In any event, KISETSU-HYO^ is a tour de force of bookmanship, and the most elusive of Onchi's productions. Here in near perfect condition and with the Onchi poem brushed by him inside. [See Onchi, HON NO BIJUTSU, p 110].