Keinen Imao Bird and Flower Albums Rhododendron, Cuckoo

Rhododendron, Cuckoo
KNS17 $135 
10 inches by 14 ½ inches

Keinan Kacho Gafu, or Bird and Flower Albums by Keinen, are masterful color woodblocks, carved by Tanaka Jirokichi each a portrait of birds in their natural settings. Imao Keinen (1845-1924) studied ukiyo-e ("floating world") woodblock prints and other traditional Japanese art styles. These prints solidified his importance to Japanese art and he was made a member of the Imperial Household Art Committee and a Member of the Imperial Art Academy. 
The breathtakingly beautiful woodblock prints illustrate more than 100 different birds in specific seasonal settings with flowers and blossoms. Though little known in the west, they represent a pinnacle of the Shin Hanga movement and are treasures rarely seen with this printing quality and fine state of preservation. The prints are from the very scarce original Tanaka edition of 1891-1892 and are in original condition.