Title: Ochibashu (Fallen Leaves Collection), Circa 1870-1890 (Meiji Period). Illustrated Manuscript of 52 Pages of Paintings, Sketches, and Drawings of Flowers and Other Figures, Some Copied from Earlier Examples, Pasted Over an Existing Manuscript
Author: Ito Suiun; Ueda Toitsu
Condition: Very Good
A Meiji Period, 19th century artbook, entitled the Fallen Leaves Collection. The manuscript is a collection of 52 pages of various paintings, sketches, and drawings depicting flowers, various birds, figures, and landscapes, all in different styles. The styles flit from one to the other but are largely nature based. All of them, however, have been individually produced on single sheets, then pasted into this book, which was originally another manuscript, as can be seen with the text underneath each drawing and on every page. A veritable scrapbook of art.
Of the artists, Ito Suiun was a painter from Nagoya, born in the late Edo period, who appears to have belonged to and studied at the Kyoshin-Kai School of Painting, which was established with an emphasis on the desire to learn painting with a straightforward heart. This manuscript appears to be a collection of practice paintings and sketches attributed to him and another artist called Ueda Toitsu, possibly a friend or colleague from the same school. Some of the works themselves are copies of earlier, existing paintings, the original artist signatures and seals even being copied.
One manuscript in quarto (25.3 x 17 cm), 52 pages
This manuscript is in very good shape, with some old soiling and several small tears to the covers. There is some soiling to the illustrations.