Title: Manmanso (Casual Sketches), Circa 1847-1848. A Manuscript Sketchbook with 84 Beautiful Pages of Landscape Paintings, Still Lives, and More, Most in Color, by an Unknown Literati Artist
Author: Chikuu
Condition: Very Good
A Late Edo Period, mid 19th century manuscript sketchbook entitled Manmanso, or Casual Sketches, by one Chikuu.
The title of “casual” is a bit misleading, however, as this sketchbook displays a vast selection of beautifully painted landscapes, still lives, and so very much more, with most in color, and utilizing different techniques, including several clearly done in the Southern School Style.
From heavily detailed mountainscapes, to cherry blossom branches in full bloom, boating scenes, townscapes and more, this manuscript is a veritable treat for the eyes, and a testament to the work put out by the many literati painters of Japan.
According to the preface, this painting sketchbook was written between 1847 and 1848, with research indicating that the author's literary name, Chikuu ‘竹塢’, appears to have been used by several painters, though it remains unclear which specific artist it is, and I cannot identify the artist seals used.
One manuscript in quarto (27.4 x 19.7 cm), 84 pages
This manuscript is in very good shape, with some wear and old worm tracks to the binding, most of the worming being repaired. There are some worm tracks to the upper and lower margins, several pages more heavily affected to the lower right corner. A few of the paintings have suffered from discoloration.