- 100
Hasshu Gafu.
Estimate
3,000 - 4,000 GBP
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Description
- A collection of eight Ming picture albums: Toshi Gogon, Baichiku Rangiku, Mokuhon Kacho, Sohon Kashi, Kokon Gafu, Meiko Senfu, Toshi Rokugon, Toshi Shichigon. Kyoto: Nakagawa Mohee, 1710
- paper
8 volumes, 4to (282 x 195mm.), 421 full-page woodblock illustrations, of which 213 are related to natural history, contemporary stitched bindings, with calligraphic paper title-slips, recent blue folding box
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The most beautifully illustrated Chinese book of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), bringing together eight unrelated volumes on poetry and painting by different authors and artists within a period of a few years (1620-1628). The works are known as “Hasshu Gafu”, but this collective title does not appear anywhere in the volumes. Following their publication in China, the books were imported into Japan and first issued there in 1672. This copy is the second Japanese edition of 1710.
The book is a great rarity in any edition. The Chinese edition, absent in all Western collections, is unobtainable. Three complete copies of the first Japanese edition have been located. The second Japanese edition has been described by Mitchell, New York City Public Library, p.289 and Kraft, Berlin Public Library, no.224. Several libraries preserve between one and four volumes of the eight.
The book is a great rarity in any edition. The Chinese edition, absent in all Western collections, is unobtainable. Three complete copies of the first Japanese edition have been located. The second Japanese edition has been described by Mitchell, New York City Public Library, p.289 and Kraft, Berlin Public Library, no.224. Several libraries preserve between one and four volumes of the eight.