Kuwagata Keisai ????, artist (also known as Kitao Masayoshi ????) — Keisai Ryakuga Zen ?????

Kuwagata Keisai ????, artist (also known as Kitao Masayoshi ????). Keisai Ryakuga Zen ?????. Touto ?? (Tokyo/Edo). Suharaya M?hei. n.d. [c.1850s]. 25.2 x 18.2cm string-bound, Japanese-style, fukuro-toji with the original printed title label. The title on the internal title page is Keisai Ryakuga-En ?????. 32 cho including introductory notes, with publisher advertisements pasted down on inside rear wrapper. The title and artist name are handwritten in Englishon rear wrapper, with library call numbers underneath. Though this work was originally published in 1823 (see the copy at Fukuoka University) the colors and paper make it clear this is not a Bunsei era production. This copy has the rather bold colors and thicker paper of late Edo, early Meiji. As the name Tokyo is not employed, I would assume this is a product of the 1850s or 60s, before the Restoration. Deaccessioned from the Brookline Public Library. The Ryakuga ?? (Abbreviated Drawing) genre retains its freshness today with its elegant, simple lines; it sketches the world in very few strokes. Wear to covers. A lovely later example of the genre in the original color woodcut. Very good condition. .