Shunsen yoji [The Task of a Spring Offering].

First edition. 4 double-page woodcut illustrations. Small 8vo, measuring 12.1x17.9cm. Original Japanese-style binding with printed title-slip (damaged). Overall in very good condition. Kyoto, Kyukyodo, dated: Man'en 1nen [i.e.

This book records a sencha ceremony held in Kyoto in memory of Kumagai Renshin (1783-1859) the 4th generation owner of the Kyukyodo shop (who are still in business in Kyoto selling incense and elegant stationary). Kumagai Naotaka and Kumagai Naoyoshi compiled a record of the events held at Maruyama Park near Gion in Kyoto in the late spring of 1860. It provides a list of paintings and pieces of calligraphy exhibited on the occasion, giving artist, title and dimension. The illustrations feature an aerial view of Maruyama, a lotus flower, a flower arrangement inside a bronze vessel, and a view of the tearoom. The first two characters in the title 'shunsen' are pronounced 'chun jian" in Chinese, and they specifically refer to offering fruit at a temple in memory of somebody. The introduction is written by Yamanaka Seiitsu (1822-1885) who had a strong interest in Chinese literature and practised bunjinga painting. This is one of the earliest illustrated record of a sencha gathering and it set a pattern for later publications in the 19th century. It was privately printed and not for sale. Very rare. No copy in OCLC. 

Stock Code: 251165