Kenzan iboku [Ink Traces of Kenzan] by OGATA, Kenzan & SAKAI, Hoitsu

Numerous fine color-printed woodcuts (several double-page). 15 folding leaves. 8vo, orig. patterned wrappers, block printed title label on upper cover, new stitching. N.p.: 1823. First edition of this beautiful book. Ogata (1663-1743), was a painter and one of the greatest ceramicists of the Tokugawa era, famous for the skill of his brush strokes. He was the younger brother of Korin Ogata (1658-1716), with whom he collaborated on many projects. Sakai (1761-1828), a prominent painter of the Rinpa school, was determined to revive and honor the style of the Ogata brothers. To that end, he published two books of woodblock prints of the brothers' work, the Korin Hyakuzu (1815) and the present work. The images here include Ogata's work in pottery (designs for incense containers for tea ceremonies), plates for sweets, hanging scrolls (including his iconic Evening Glories), illustrated poems, screens (including his plum blossom screen), fans, etc. The woodcuts have been re-interpreted by Sakai and display at the highest level the art of the wood engraver. The calligraphy displayed here as text and in the images is very finely executed. Sakai has provided an almost loving account of the work of Ogata as a preface. Fine copy.