SPL Hand Coloured Rare Book Collection Featuring Norman R Bobins

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NOBUMITSO, Kurihara.
Kokon Meiba Zu I [Guide Book to Famous Horses, Ancient and Modern]

A rare look at the equine as a part of the high culture of Japan. Illustrations depict horses being used in scenes of hunting, battle, travel, falconry, etc.

Published
Tokyo: Kinkado Nakamura Sasuke. Book. No date. Meiji period (early Meiji probably)
Plates
27
Binding/Size
S=8vo
Value
0-5000
Published
Tokyo: Kinkado Nakamura Sasuke. Book. No date. Meiji period (early Meiji probably)
Ref
1258

3 slim volumes, Containing 27 double-page colour woodblock prints and one single page print, with each page 9" x 6". Original yellow paper wrappers, stitched. WorldCat locates only a single copy in the United States at the Smithsonian Institution. Colours genuinely jump off the page; movement is captured so convincingly. Some wear and soiling to wrappers; very good overall. SCARCE. Coloured plates in order: Volume A. 1. Men are leading a horse over a blue-tiled floor. 2. Man riding a horse towards a mountain. 3. Four men leading a pair of horses. 4. Man leading a black stallion. 5. A pair of men hunting with bow and arrow on horseback. 6. Four men saddle a horse. 7. Two men charging on their horses, one falls off his mount! 8. Three horses in a field. 9. Men try to control a frisky horse, who is dangerously up rearing on hind legs. Volume B. 10. Samurai warrior on horseback defeating an opponent. 11. Man of wealth on horseback with his retainers following on foot behind. 12. As above, except through the snow. 13. Man putting a horse 'through its paces' while watched by a man of wealth and rank. 14. Horse led before a man for inspection. 15. Man on horseback leads a small hunting party? 16. Man on horseback, perhaps riding into battle, is seen receiving his helmet from a domestic running behind on foot. 17. A pair of horses 'prance' while a man keeps an eye on them from behind. 18. Ladies looking out onto a stable box with a horse tethered inside. Volume C. 19. Man about to mount his horse. 20. Horse gallops beside a river with a rider. 21. Two men in conversation beside their pawing mount. 22. The same men as above, except one man, are now holding the horse by its bridle. 23. One man is about to mount his horse. 24. A man and his horse gallop up a hillside. 25. A pair of saddled horses with a hunting dog and falcon. 26. Horses being fed and watered in a stable. 27. Horses drinking from a water trough, another being led toward the trough.