契花百菊 (Keika Hyakkiku) Volumes 1 & 2, 長谷川契華 (Keika Hasegawa) 1893 / 明治26

Rare. "Keika Hyakkiku" Vol. 1 & 2 ( Meiji 26/1893, First Edition)

• Title: 契花百菊 (Keika Hyakkiku), Volumes 1 & 2

• Author: 長谷川契華 (Keika Hasegawa)

• Published: 明治26年 (1893)

• Condition: Excellent; Original prints very well preserved, usual yellowish due to age, dirt on page corners, worn covers. Fukurotoji bindings intact. On the first 3 prints from volume 2, some color from the opposite print transferred, nothing unbearable . Sealed, private ownership with seal too. (藤井忠三郎 Chuzaburo Fujii)

• Details:

o A stunning collection of 100 chrysanthemum illustrations by the master artist Keika Hasegawa. From the intended 100 chrys. Only 3 vols (75 prints) were published. Volume 4 has never seen the light

o These detailed color woodblock prints beautifully capture the diverse beauty of chrysanthemum flowers, one of Japan's most iconic botanical symbols.

o The first edition of this work is a rare find, especially in its complete form (Volumes 1 & 2).

• Provenance:

o Referenced in both the British Museum and Smithsonian collections, this work is a masterpiece of Meiji-era botanical illustration. Bought from dealer in Osaka.

o Links to view the digital versions:

 British Museum: 1973,0723,0.77

 Smithsonian Libraries: SI Digital Library Entry

• Additional Information:

o Dimensions: 31.5 x 23 cm

o Publisher: Yamada Naosaburō, Kyōto-shi, <Meiji 26- [1893 ]

o Rarity: Sets in such condition are highly sought after by collectors of Japanese woodblock prints and botanical art. Volume 1 is quite rare on the market, the Freer/Sackler and other libraries have only vols. 2+3

o Reference Links:

 Keio University Digital Archives: Keika Hyakkiku, Vol. 1+2