Katsushika Hokusai, "Koso Gafu"

Hokusai's "Koso Gafu," or the "Essence of Painting," is a compilation of drawings spanning a wide range of subject matter from figures, animals, landscapes, plants, and scenes from everyday life. Comprised of 25 double pages in fukurotoji binding, the volume is a wonderful look at Hokusai's eclectic view of the world. Likely a later impression, an exceptionally rare volume of sketches assembled posthumously.

Note: Plate images are just a sampling from volume available for sale. For more information, please contact us. For reference, another impression can be viewed from the British Museum.
 
Date: 1862
Contents: 25 double pages, fukurotoji binding
Condition: Pages thinned and worn, but intact, missing title slip on front cover (daisen), overall in 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.