KAMISAKI (Sunao).

Chimei ateji ehon [Picture book of place names] [With:] Bunbutsu ateji ehon [Picture book of cultural objects]; [And:] Jinmei-ateji ehon [Picture book of people].

First edition, no.30 of a limited edition of 300. 3 vols. Each volume entirely stencil-printed, with colour plates on every page. Mamehon, measuring 80 by 60mm. Orihon binding, original green stencil-printed boards and chitsu folding case for chimei volume, original rust red stencil-printed boards and chitsu folding case for the bun-butsu volume, original blue stencil-printed boards and chitsu folding case for the jinmei volume, all in fine condition. Unpaginated, each volume [24]pp. Tokyo, Kosho Tsushinsha, Undated [but Showa 62, i.e. 1987].

£350.00

This set is centred on the theme of ‘names’ – of people, places, things (bunbutsu, or ‘cultural objects’). Though they are not numbered, they were designed as a trio and can be enjoyed in any order. The volume on people contains portraits of 10 Western thinkers, including Hippocrates, Shakespeare and Kant. Next to each portrait is their transliterated name in Japanese script, as well as a translated quote. The volume on places takes us on a global journey, with vignettes of famous sites such as the Alps, the Sahara desert, and in keeping with Kamisaki’s fascination with clocks and time, the Greenwich meridian. In the ‘things’ volume we are shown a curious mix of objects and actions, including coffee, a hotel, lamps and a kiss. Together the books form a delightful sprinkling of famous Western people, places and things.

Stock No.
255373