Katsushika Hokusai, "Hokusai Manga, Complete (Meiji Edition)"

Hokusai's "Hokusai Manga" (translated as sketches) is a highly influential and comprehensive work spanning Hokusai's life and continuing even after his death. Comprised of more than 4,000 images, the first 10 volumes of Hokusai Manga was originally issued from 1814-1819, followed by volumes 11 and 12, which were produced ca. 1820s. Volumes 13 and 14 were produced in 1849 following Hokusai's death, and volume 15 in 1878 (posthumously).

The subjects of Manga spanned the ordinary (e.g. tools) to nature and landscapes to the supernatural and to religion and history. This rare and complete set of Manga was published ca. 1878 around the time of the publication of the 15th volume, many plates of which were printed from re-carved woodblocks. The volumes are split into three shiho-chitsu cases, probably assembled in the 20th century. 

Note: Plate images are just a sampling from volume available for sale. For more information, please contact us. For reference, a first-edition set can be viewed at the website of the Pulverer Collection housed at the Freer Art Gallery in Washington D.C. 
 
Date: ca. 1878
Contents: 15 complete volumes, fukurotoji binding, in three separate shiho-chitsu 
Publisher: Katano Toshiro
Condition: Some loose binding and wormholes, otherwise very good condition

Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) is an icon in the world of Japanese art, design, and woodblock prints. So much has been written about his life as an artist, and his art, making his woodblock prints some of the most treasured in the world.