Title: Shaka Goichidaiki Zue. The Life of Shakyamuni, Or, The Life of Buddha, 1884. 5 Volumes, Lacking Volume 1
Author: Yamada Isai; Illustrated by Katsushika Hokusai
Publisher: Ōsaka, Sakakibara
Condition: Good
A late 19th century edition of Katsushika Hokusai's final illustrated work, being The Life of Buddha by Yamada Isai, originally published in 1845. This is a posthumous impression, using the original woodblock illustrations.
As Hokusai was a Buddhist himself, he had expressed his beliefs throughout these volumes with breathtaking religious artwork not typically found in his Manga Series or other noted works.
This series was originally written in a Jataka format, otherwise referred to as a tale of rebirth, describing various tales from the life of the Buddha.
Many illustrations are used as portents into the future, or of events yet to happen. Many of the serpents and demons depicted throughout the volumes serve such a purpose, and the growth of Buddhism as well, travelling from India throughout the rest of the Asian continent, until finally reaching Japan.
The six volumes follow in episodic format, illustrated throughout with numerous woodblocks depicting some of the most famous illustrations of the Buddha's life.:
Volume 1 Which is lacking, would have depicted various illustrations of the Elemental Gods
Volume 2 Displays the great gathering of Buddhists and deities as they witness the birth and creation of the Buddha, as life is breathed into him by the Heavenly Two-Headed Dragon. The rest of the volume follows him throughout his youth.
Volume 3 Displays the Buddha as he educates his disciples while also avoiding temptation from a great demon
Volume 4 Displays various scenes from battles to sinners being punished by a heavenly demon
Volume 5 Displays various encounters with demons and dragons, ending with an armored Buddha defeating a terrifying three-eyed demon
Volume 6 Displays various scenes, including a striking illustration of the Wind God evoking a typhoon
There are 48 of 58 full page woodblock illustrations throughout, many of them being double paged examples.
5 of six volumes in quarto (26 x 18.4 cm), 38, 38, 40, 29, 32 leaves
These volumes are in good shape, with some rubbing and old staining to the bindings. There is worming to Volumes 2, 3, 5, and 6, heavier to 2, 3, and 6, with text and illustrations partially affected.