Ōson Gafu 鶯邨画譜

1842. Sakai Hōitsu 酒井抱, author and artist. Ōson Gafu 鶯邨画譜. Edo, circa 1840s. Published by Edo Izumiya Shōjirō 江戸和泉屋庄次郎

A single volume string-bound Japanese style fukuro toji 27 x 18.5cm is housed in a modern chitsu 26.3 x 19.2cm. 25 double-page color and monochrome woodblock prints by Sakai Hōitsu 酒井抱 (1761-1829). Loosely translates as A Book of Drawings by Ōson, Ōson being a pen name of Hōitsu.

Upon cursory examination, Suharaya Mohei of Senshōbō and Suharaya Sasuke of Kinkadō were publishing works in the 1830s and 1840s that seem to coincide with the color and publishing quality of this volume. The original was published in 1817 (Bunka 14) and this lovely reprint was likely published about 1840s (Tenpo?). There was also a Meiji period reprint done in the 1880s which has much bolder colors and Meiji-era paper.

The works include Fuji 富士 [Mt. Fuji], Itozakura 糸桜 [Weeping Cherry], Ominaeshi 女郎花 [Golden Lace], Ume 梅 [Plum], Fue 笛 [Flute] and Kakitsubata 杜若 [Rabbit Ear Iris]. Also included are Camellia Blossoms and a Tea Cup and Two Pears, both of which include a poem by the artist.

See references: Miller p. 443 and Hillier p. 661-5.