Katazome mon-shi [Katazome patterned paper designs]

SERIZAWA (Keisuke)

A Wartime production: one of only 15 copies

First edition, no.1 of 15 copies. Katazome stencil dyed throughout, including 10 double-page plates in total. Folio, measuring 296 by 203mm. Orihon binding, original brown paper covered bords, katazome printed title slip pasted to upper, original cream paper slipcase with printed title slip to upper, housed in a (later) decorative cloth covered chitsu box with title slip in holograph, a fine copy. Unpaginated [20], [colophon]pp. Tokyo, privately published, Showa 18 [i.e, 1943.

£2,500

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SERIZAWA (Keisuke)

Katazome mon-shi [Katazome patterned paper designs]

A very scarce, wartime title by renowned craftsman Serizawa Keisuke (1895-1984).

Events of the Second World War did not prevent artists like Serizawa from producing exquisite books, despite the challenging circumstances and material shortages. In fact, 1943 was one of Serizawa's most productive years for printing books. This may have been to do with slowed production of dyed textiles (what he was primarily known for) due to the diminished kimono market during the War.

The present title is a visual delight, containing ten designs for patterned katazome (stencil-dyed) papers. There is no text or narrative inside, however Serizawa explains in the colophon that he was keen to print this book since opening his dyeing workshop. The designs in the present book perfectly show Serizawa's skill as a craftsman, from very small intricate patterns to much larger motifs.

Extremely rare. No copies in OCLC.

Stock No.

261697

Katazome mon-shi [Katazome patterned paper designs]

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