Title: Sansui Gashū (Landscape Art Collection), Circa 1800-1850 (Late Edo Period). Illustrated Manuscript With 90 Pages of Sumi-E Ink Wash and Color Paintings, Copying Techniques of Artist Schools from Japan and the Southern School of Chinese Painting
Author: Totokusai Meizan(?)
Condition: Very Good
A beautifully rendered illustrated manuscript from the Late Edo Period, entitled Sansui Gashū, or a Landscape Art Collection. The manuscript was penned by one Totokusai Meizan, an unknown artist, who appears to have compiled his works into a series of volumes, as this is described as Part Five of his series of Painting Techniques of the Masters of the Past and Present.
The manuscript contains a series of 90 pages of various sumi-e ink wash paintings, some done in greyscale shades, and others of various hues. As described in the initial pages, Meizan has used several locations in Japan and China for his illustrations, from Arashiyama in Kyoto to Jinshan Island and West Lake, Chengshan Mountain, and even the Oyama Mountains.
It should be noted of course that many of his illustrations are derived from earlier examples by painters of the Kano School, as well as the Southern School of Chinese painting, and more. Whether the books were intended for teaching students or just kept as personal art books, is not known. But they serve as excellent insight into the lives of lesser-known artists.
One manuscript in folio (28.6 x 20.3 cm), 90 pages
This manuscript is in very good shape, with some rubbing and wear to the binding, and two of the string cords having broken, but still holding together. There is a bit of worming at the top of several pages.