Bokuen kisho [Prized Ink collection].

First edition. 4vols. Numerous illustrations throughout. Large 8vo. Obon edition, measuring 14.5x25.8cm. Minor marginal worming, not affecting the text. Preserved in original chitsu (rubbed, missing title-slip), stitching going in several places, but overall stil in very good condition. Tokyo, Oku Saburobe, dated: Meiji 26 [i.e. 

These volumes provide a detailed record of a Sencha ceremony held at the Kinparo restaurant on Amishima (Osaka) on May 24th-25th, 1891. They provide a description of the location of the Kinparo and its tearooms, the painting of a Chinese lady that hung in the alcove as well as a bronze tripod that was exhibited below. This is followed by a list of landscape paintings and calligraphy from the Ming and Qing dynasties together with detailed information on the size, inscriptions, signatures and seals. The last volume deals with the tea utensils (cups, teapots, inkstones, trays etc.) that were used. The event was financed by the politician/industrialist Oku Saburobe (1836-1897) who published this account in Tokyo two years later. The publication stands out for the attention to detail and the quality of the reproductions. Very rare. Only 2 copies in OCLC. 

Stock Code: 250812