Kokufu Bonsai Ten Cho The 3rd 1935 by Kobayashi Norio

 Kokufu Bonsai Ten Cho The 3rd

This is a rare exhibition catalogue of Kokufu Bonsai Ten,the most famous Bonsai Exhibition in the world.

Unfortunately,the number of early Kokufu Bonsai Ten catalogues is decreasing every year even in Japan.

As you might know,early Kokufu Bonsai Ten catalogues were published not by Nippon Bonsai Association,

but by Kobayashi Norio,who is called The Father of Kokufu Bonsai Ten.They were not sold in stores at that time.

I have just obtained this one from a next-door neighbor of Kobayashi Norio.

Mr.Kobayashi lived in Fuchu city more than 50 years ago.

The Intoroduction of Guns in Japanese History - From Tanegashima to the Boshin War

 

Special Exhibition

The Intoroduction of Guns in Japanese History - From Tanegashima to the Boshin War

The history of guns in Pre-Modern Japan starts from their arrival in 1543 and finishes at the end of Boshin War in 1868. Over the course of about three centuries, this foreign weapon became firmly rooted throughout Japan, having great influence in various fields, including society, military, and technology.

In this special exhibition, we present the facts concerning the arrival of guns, the circumstances surrounding traveling gunsmiths responsible for the spread of guns throughout the country, and the process of development of guns through their use in battles. 

We also describe the community of gunsmiths who were engaged in manufacturing guns and their techniques. Finally, the exhibition shows how Japan accepted foreign gun culture during the end of the Edo period and the beginning of the Meiji-era, where Western military technology had been introduced.

Takehisa Udagawa Representative of the Exhibition Project Committee

Price $199+shipping If you have any questions,please feel free to email us.austral@trade4.gmobb.jp

Minamoto Kiyomaro Exhibition Minamoto no Kiyomaro Ten

We will hold a special exhibition commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Kiyomaro Gen (1813-55), a swordsmith who had outstanding talent at the end of the Edo period and made his talent bloom. "Kiyomaro was born as the second son of a priest in Akaiwamura, Komoro Domain, Shinshu, and became the son of the Nagaoka family, the owner of the neighboring village. the eight-year-old maiden work, as early as I can grasp strength to foresee the extraordinary talent.

o'clock in the Edo period, a wave of the opening of the country surging, SeiMaro was in response to the reactionary principle of Guoxue, bear in combat We have created a sword. Along with its sharpness, the dignified and clear ground iron has a lively blade pattern, which is one of the great attractions, and Kiyomaro is now the most popular swordsmith among new swords. 

In this exhibition, we will gather together the famous swords made during the 24 years from the 18-year-old virgin work to the death of himself at the age of 42, and look back on Kiyomaro's sword-making life. 

In conducting this exhibition, we discovered new materials on the factors behind Kiyomaru's visit to Hagi and new findings obtained by shooting the sword's ground iron with high resolution. Based on the results. We hope that you will see the statue of the genius swordsmith Kiyomaro again. We would like to thank all the organizations, owners, and all concerned for their special cooperation and exhibition in holding exhibition We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the members of the Kiyomaro Exhibition Executive Committee for the 200th anniversary of their birth, and we would like to express our deepest gratitude to them., Nagaoka, 2013

Yoshihisano

Museum of Art

Shinano PrefectureMuseum Hagi Museum Nezu Museum

If you have any questions,please feel free to email us.austral@trade4.gmobb.jp

Price $199+shipping from Japan

A Living National Treasure Kitamura Takeshi regarded as one of Japan's leading textile artists

Title A Living National Treasure Kitamura Takeshi
Master of Contemporary Weaving
Publication year 2011

This is a rare exhibition catalogue of Kitamuar Takeshi,known as A Living National Treasure.

Foreword
We are delighted to mount this exhibition of the work of Kitamura Takeshi, who has created new horizons in weaving through his superb skills and contemporary sensibility.

Kitamura Takeshi was born in Kyoto in 1935 and began his career in weaving, in 1951, in Nishijin. That Kyoto district, where craftsmen transmit weaving techniques that have been a key part of the traditional culture of the city since it became the imperial capital twelve centuries ago, occupies a vitally important position in the history of Japanese weaving and dyeing as it has responded to changing tastes over the ages. Having trained in Nishijin, Kitamura was equipped with highly sophisticated weaving skills and a wealth of knowledge with which to begin his independent career.

In 1965, his abilities were attested to in the form of the prestigious Chairman of Japan Art Crafts Association Prize in 1965, which he received upon first entering work in the 2nd Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition of Japanese Textiles. In 1995, he was designated the holder of an important intangible cultural property, ra, or complex gauze weaving; in 2000, he was also designed the holder of another important intangible cultural property, tate-nishiki, or warp-faced brocade. Today Kitamura Takeshi is, without a doubt, regarded as one of Japan's leading textile artists.

What fascinates people about Kitamura's work, with its innovative, endlessly fresh revelations, is the quality that arises, despite his solid grounding in tradition, from his refusal to rest on conventional values, his exploration of the fundamentals of weaving, and his stance of addressing our own age, our day, with his demanding problematic and inspiring new propositions. His kawari-ori or fancy embody a perspective that addresses new themes through a combination of diverse weaves and materials. His ra or complex gauze uses a complicated twist structure (intertwined warp yarns, with weft yarns passed through the interstices) to create richly translucent fabric. Kitamura has gone beyond reviving this ancient technique, which had nearly died out after the middle ages, to weave a new type of ra, transparent figured complex gauze or "tomon-ra". In it, through bold new manipulations of the warp yarns, he constructs patterns and shading in ways never seen before. Similarly, in setting himself the task of mastering the weaving of tatenishiki or warp-faced brocade, another classic textile, Kitamura's goal was not mere replication. By integrating contemporary materials, techniques, colors, and motifs, he has elevated his fresh new patterns to an unparalleled level of elegance.

This exhibition presents about 130 works in which the artist's thinking in his search for the formative beauty born of necessity from the art of weaving is expressed in rich textures. We hope that you will enjoy this opportunity to experience the possibilities and the beauty of weaving brought about through the ultimate in weaving skills.

In conclusion, we would be remiss not to express our profound gratitude to the many collectors who have graciously lent their valued works for this exhibition, the many others whose cooperation has helped make it possible, and, above all, to Kitamura Takeshi himself for his unstinting assistance.
The Organizers

2016 Suzuki Kiitsu Exhibition Standard-bearer of the Edo Rimpa School Hoitsu's most prominent pupil

Title Suzuki Kiitsu Exhibition
Sub Title Standard-bearer of the Edo Rimpa School
Publication year 2016

This is a very rare exhibition catalogue of Suzuki Kiitsu,known as a a painter of the Edo Rimpa school and Hoitsu's most prominent pupil.More than 200 exceptional works are contained.All are shown in full color.Approx 7 pages and the list of plates are written in English.There are 340 pages in this catalogue.Relatively thick one.Recommended one!

The English foreword to this book says"
Suzuki Kiitsu (1796-1858) is a painter of the Edo Rimpa school, who was active in the late Edo period.
Rimpa was established in Kyoto by Hon'ami Koetsu and Tawaraya Sotatsu in the early Edo period and Ogata Korin, Ogata Kenzan, and others in the mid-Edo period.

In the late Edo period, Sakai Höitsu revived the Rimpa style in Edo. Adding new tastes and refinement,he created a new style called “Edo Rimpa.” Kiitsu was known as Hoitsu's most prominent pupil.

While inheriting the ornate tradition of Rimpa, Kiitsu's artistic style was characterized by vivid coloring, bold compositions, and opulent designs and was overflowing with a novelty that is still recognized to this day. He brought his versatililty into full play painting a variety of subjects including bird-and-flower paintings, landscape paintings, narrative paintings, genre paintings, Buddhist paintings, and seasonal festival paintings, and also working on hanging scrolls of painted mountings, fans, kites, battledores, and votive wooden tablets. Furthermore, Kiitsu trained his own son Suzuki Shuitsu and many other pupils, encouraging them to hand down the Rimpa style that continues to the present. Indeed, Kitsu played a spectacular role as a standard-bearer for Edo Rimpa.

The exhibition "SUZUKI KIITSU : Standard-bearer of the Edo Rimpa School”, held at Suntory Museum of Art, Himeji City Museum of Art, Hosomi Museum, and the Yomiuri Shimbun, brings together masterworks by Kiitsu on a scale unrivaled by earlier exhibitions both inside and outside Japan, offering visitors a rare opportunity to encounter the full range of his not-to-be-missed paintings.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the owners of the works for their understanding and agreement to exhibit their precious works and all others concerned for their cooperation in realizing this exhibition.

Tenshin Shoden Shinto Muso-ryu Jojutsu Matsui Kenji Shinto-ryu Kenjutsu

Title Shinto Muso-ryu Jojutsu
Author Matsui Kenji
Publication year 1994

This is a very rare and fully illustrated book on Shinto Muso-ryu Jojutsu.Recommended by Kageyama Jiro,the president of All Japan Kendo Federation.Hundreds of photos are contained so that even beginners can learn basic body movements easily.Old documents are contained at the end of this book.

In the forword to this book,Kageyama Jiro,the president of All Japan Kendo Federation,says"This book is a compilation of Shinto Muso-ryu Jojutsu and Shinto-ryu Kenjutsu.All Japan Kendo Federation's Jojotsu is based on Kendo,Iaido and Jodo.And All Japan Kendo Federation is based on Shinto Muso-ryu Jojutsu.They say that Shinto Muso-ryu Jojutsu is sophisticated old martial arts.There have not been good references of Shindo Muso-ryu Jojutsu.It is really meaningful to techniques of them are open to the public and explained in detail."

Morihiro Wada Ceramics Sobo in Soho First Major Exhibition held in New York

Title Morihiro Wada Ceramics Sobo in Soho
Publication year 1990

This is a rare exhibition catalogue of Morihiro Wada.
This is a first major exhibit held in New York.So it is written both in English and in Japanese.Unlike the catalogues I have bought before,this is a hardcover and a bit larger.I am not sure why.This is the last one I have now.

37 exceptional items are contained.All are shown in full color.Approx 50 pages.

I am very happy to welcome the ceramic art exhibit of Morihiro Wada to New York
Mr. Wada has distinguished himself over the past twenty years as one of Japan's premier ceramicists. His works have been exhibited in Japan and around the world, receiving high acclaim everywhere. Mr. Wada's first major exhibit in New York will give Americans an opportunity to
experience the rare beauty of this traditional Japanese craft.

Through the international language of art, Mr. Wada's exhibit will, I am sure, do much to enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of
Japan and the United States.

All my best wishes for the success of this auspicious event.
May, 1990
Masamichi Hanabusa
Ambassador
Consul General of Japan in New York

Tani Buncho Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of his Birth Renowned Japanese Bunin Painter and Poet(1763-1841)

-Description-

Title Tani Buncho:Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of his Birth
Publication year 2013

This is a rare exhibition catalogue of Tani Buncho(October 15,1763-January 6,1841),who was a Japanese literati (bunjin) painter and poet. Fortunately,some pages are written in English.153 works are contained and all works are shown in full color.

The English Foreword to this book says"
Tani Buncho (1763-1840) was a painter who played a leading role in Kanto region painting circles in the latter half of the Edo period. While Buncho is known primarily as a master of Kanto Nanga (literati painting), he also studied Kano, Maruyama-Shijo, and Tosa school painting, and Western-style painting as well. Blending their styles and techniques, this great master established a school of his own. The sheer quantity and stylistic diversity of his work, however, make it difficult to grasp the essential Buncho while communicating the full scope of his activities.

Buncho was on close terms with Matsudaira Sadanobu, Kimura Kenkado and other leading literati of the period, and his many disciples included Watanabe Kazan. The breadth of his connections is striking, even among the other notable painters of his period, testifying to the personal appeal that set him apart from other intellectuals and cultured individuals.

This exhibition celebrates the 250th anniversary of Buncho's birth. Framing his work in terms of his interactions with others, we trace the history of his paintings and other achievements. In addition, this exhibition includes Buncho's Illustrated Legends of Ishiyama-dera, which were recently added to our collection. These scrolls are being exhibited for the first time since their restoration. It is our hope that as you explore the many famous works that resulted from Buncho's extraordinary range
of friendships, you will come to sense the fascination Tani Buncho continues to generate as an artist.

In conclusion we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the collectors who have graciously allowed their precious works to be shown in this exhibition and to the many others without whose cooperation and support this exhibition would not have been possible."

Tani Buncho,who was one of the preeminent practitioners of Kanto-region Nanga (literati painting), was influenced by the Shijo School, Tosa School and Western-style paintings, and thus created a wide variety of works. He was also one of the best connected of painters, counting the literati Kimura Kenkado among his acquaintances and Watanabe Kazan among his disciples. In this exhibition, we commemorate the 250th anniversary of Buncho’s birth with an examination of his painterly output and achievements that is structured around these many connections. Also, we exhibit all seven scrolls of Buncho’s Ishiyama-dera Engi Emaki Handscrolls, which were recently acquired by the museum. This will be the first time the work is exhibited since the completion of an extensive restoration."

1900 Hakase Kenbai Hakse by Jikishin Kage-ryu Master Yamada Jirokichi Vintage Illustrated Sword Dance Book

-Description-

Title Kenbu(Kenbai) Hakase

Editor Kobukan Yamada Jirokichi

Publication year　1900(Original Period Item)

This is a very rare and fully illustrated book on sword dance(or Kenjutsu).

It is true that there is something artistic about kenbu(kenbai) but

it was edited by Yamada Jirokichi,known as a Jikishin Kage-ryu 15th successor,and so shows the essence of Kenjutsu(Kendo.)

As the front cover shows,Yamada Jirokichi,the author of this book,was a 

diciple of Sakakibara Kenkichi,called the last swordman.It is well-known that  he met with Sakakibara Kenkichi at his Dojo in 1884 and decided to practice Kenjutsu in earnest.

Then he learned Kenjutsu under Sakakibara.Also,he practiced Jikishin Kage-ryu under Yamada Hachiro with Sakakibra's agreement because Yamada thought he should master Kata and Shinai alike. 

It is a good reference if you are interested in Kenjutsu(Kendo),

especially in Jikishin Kage-ryu.

approx 280 pages

2019 Kamoda Shoji Exhibition including an Intriguing Essay Hamada Shoji and Kamoda Shoji

-Description-
Title Kamoda Shoji Exhibition

This is the latest exhibition catalogue of Kamoda shoji
63 works are contained and all are shown in full color.

This catalogue includes an intriguing essay titled Hamada Shoji and Kamoda Shoji stating their relationships.It says,"
People say that Kamoda Shoji was fascinated by Hamada Shoji
at an early age.Also,Hamda realized quickly that Kamoda had a
great talent for ceramics.In Mashiko,young people who
want to become potters visited Hamada Shoji in order to receive
instruction in ceramics.Among them,Hamada made an exception for him.
Hamada invited Kamoda to his old private house and talked with
Kamoda for several hours while reading the complete works of ceramics.

They say that Kamoda's works became popular after Hamada praised his ones."

Kindai Kendo Meicho Taikei 14vol 40 great works included 1986

Title Kindai Kendo Meicho Taikei
Publication year 1986

This is an extremely rare Kendo book titled Kindai Kendo Meicho Taikei.It is composed of 14 volumes.The original retail price is approx $1500.

The preface to this book says,"This book compiles more than 40 works selected carefully from among representative Kendo books,which have been published over the past 70 years(from the Meiji period to the early Showa period)."

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Twin Peaks:The Finest of Chinese and Japanese Calligraphy Wang Xizhi, Ouyang Xun, Su Shi, Kukai, Ono no Tofu, Hon'ami Koetsu

Title Twin Peaks:The Finest of Chinese and Japanese Calligraphy
Publication year 2006

Fortunately,some pages including list of works are written in English.Approx 180 works by famous calligraphers from Japan and China are included.All works are shown in full color.

In this unique exhibition, works by Wang Xizhi, Ouyang Xun, Su Shi, Kukai, Ono no Tofu, Hon'ami Koetsu, Ryokan and others transcend time and distance to appear together in one showing.

Shaping Faith Japanese Ichiboku Buddhist Statues

Title Shaping Faith Japanese Ichiboku Buddhist Statues
Publication year 2006

This catalogue has been issued in conjuction with the exhibition shaping faith Japanese ichiboku buddhist statsues held at the Tokyo National Museum in 2006

Fortunately,some pages including the foreword are written in English.

"Shaping Faith," an exhibition of ichiboku carving at the Tokyo National Museum Heisei-kan, displays the finest examples of the art form from the seventh until the 19th century, borrowed from temples around Japan. Most are of Bodhisattvas or various guardian deities who are usually trampling on some grimacing demon who dared to challenge Buddhist teachings.

Features the tradition of carving Buddhist sculptures out of single wood blocks, where the Japanese spiritual belief was combined with Buddhist faith.

Ultimate Figure The World of Alflex Zan

Title Ultimate Figure The World of Alflex Zan
Publication year 2004

This is a very rare catalogue including 42 figures by Alfrex.All figures are shown in full color.A good and indispensable reference book to fans of Alflex figure.
Unfortunately,this company go bunkrupt in 2005 and it won't be republised.Recommended one!

The Art of Sofu Sogetsu-ryu Ikebana Book by Teshigahara Sofu Photo by Ken Domon

Title The Art of Sofu
Publication Year 1978
Photo by Ken Domon or Yasuhiro Ishimoto

This is a rare and oversized Ikebana book by Sofu Teshigahara 1st iemoto of Sogetsu-ryu Ikebana.

Fortunately,some pages including the foreword are written in English.

In the preface to this book,Kenzo Tange says,"The Art of Sofu is a comprehensive collection of the full spectrum of Mr.Teshigahara's artistic activities.

Its publication coincides with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Sogetsu School,thus adding to its significance.Reading this book,we may look forward to the further development and deepening of his art." 

Sesshu Master of Ink and Brush 50th Anniversary Exhibition Catalogue

Title Sesshu Master of Ink and Brush,50th Anniversary Exhibition
Publication Year 2002
The English foreword says,"In the eighty-odd years of his life,Sesshu established a unique personal style characterized by strenghth of touch and and solidity of composition that produced a legacy of masterpices including the Long Landscape Scroll,amd the View of Amanohashidate.

This special exhibition is the first major exhibition of Sesshu's work since the 450th anniversary of his death.As a matter of course ,it includes the master paintere's own best known works,but we are also fortunate to be able to include several paintings signed with characteres formely pronounced Sessho,who could have been the young Sesshu."

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Kotetsu Taikan Representative Japanese Swordsmith

Title Kotetsu Taikan
Preface by Honma Junji

This is a rare and deluxe Japanese sword book focusing on Nagasone Kotetsu,who was a representative Japanese swordsmith in Edo period.It includes 195 Oshigata selected carefully by The Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords.Not only Kotetsu's works but also Okisato's works(Katcyu or guards) are included.It can be said that it is a definitive edition including all exisiting material.If it were not for it,it would be impossible to study Nagasone Kotetsu and his works.

All about Nadia Comaneci from Chunichi Cup in 1976 Legendary Gold Medalist Comaneci Photo Book

Title All about Nadia Comaneci

Publication Year 1976

 

This is a rare Japanese book featuring Nadia Comaneci

,Legendary Gold Medalist.This book mainly features her perfomance from Chunici Cup.But it also features her stay in Japan as well.

Chunici Cup was held here in Japan in 1976 after the olympic game was over.This competition attracted a lot of people.More than 6000 tickets were all sold out on the day of sale.Many people stayed up all night to buy tickets sold on the day of the performance.All the tickets were sold out in less than 2 hours on the day.This is because many people loved to watch Comaneci's great performance.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Illustrated Kumihimo Learn from Pics Kumihimo Sakai Aiko Rare Kumihimo Book

Title Illustrated Kimihimo

Author Sakai Aiko

Publication Year 1984

Unfortunately,this Kumihimo book is becoming hard to come by even in Japan.

 

In the preface to this book,the author Sakai Aiko says,"This book explains the process of brading with a lot of photos and detailed illustrations so that you can undesrtand with ease.So even beginners can learn how to braid correctly if you braid as instructed."

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Peking Its Reminniscences The View of Old Bejing 1939-1944 Limited Edition 北京の回想 1930年代から1940年代の北京写真集

Title Peking Its Reminiscences

Publication Year 1968

Author Suzuki Shigeyoshi

 

In the postscript to this book,the suthor says,"I travelled to Beijing twice in 1919 and in 1938.I got around the city during school holidays.This city fascinated me.Fortunately,I managed to live here from 1939 to 1944.More than two hundred thousand Japanese people lived there at that time.I took many photos of the city during a work break.I managed to bring them to Japan because they escaped the war damage."

http://www.japanese-book.com/