The Illustrated Life of Shakyamuni (Shaka goichidaiki zue kan yon) 釈迦御一代記図会巻四, 6 vols-set, first edition 1845 (Kōka 2)

Rare original first edition, published and printed during Hokusai's lifetime (Bunka 2, 1845) - the coronation of the Gakyō Rōjin" 画狂老人; "The Old Man Mad About Art" period. Your chance to own an authentic Hokusai print and a piece of history!

Orange stitched (fukurotoji bindings) wrappers, 6 vol.set

The Shaka goichidaiki zue is the illustrated record of Shakyamuni's life, published in 1845, which consists of six volumes. The entire work is composed of 55 episodes compiled by Yamada Isai 山田意斎 and 35 monochrome illustrations crafted by Katsushika Hokusai 葛飾北斎. This book has three publishers: Echigoya Jihei 越後屋治兵衛 in Kyoto, Yamashiroya Sahei 山城屋佐兵衛 in Edo, and Kawachiya Mohei 河内屋茂兵衛 in Osaka, indicating that it was prevalent during that time.

For further reading and another impression in the Arthur Tress Collection, in the Kislak Center, University of Pennsylvania Libraries, go to:

https://web.sas.upenn.edu/tressjapanese/2021/02/09/yamada-isai-山田意斎-and-katsushika-hokusai-葛飾北斎-shaka-go-ishidaiki-zue-釈迦御一代記図/

Another impression is also in the collection of The MET, New York, accession no. 2013.736a–f, go to:

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/78638 and
https://kokusho.nijl.ac.jp/biblio/100272744/1?ln=ja

For an academic extensive reading discussing the work: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/15/1/99

Sold copy @Sothesby's in 2023 : https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/books-and-manuscripts-from-the-japan-society-library-2/katsushika-hokusai-1760-1849-artist-yamada-isai hammer price 2650 eur (+20% buyer's premium = 3170 euro)

The Shaka goichidaiki zue is a meticulously crafted text with carefully illustrated graphics, executed near the end of both Isai and Hokusai's lives. Due to its delicate integration of this‑worldly elements and other‑worldly components, the book gained tremendous sales upon its publication in Edo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Interestingly, in the late 19th century, amidst changing perceptions of Buddha, this book experienced a revival and vigorous promotion, resulting in the reprinting of no fewer than ten editions during Meiji era.

Condition: minor dirt stains, excellent condition, former owner' seals, no tears or missing pages, very few foxing stains

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