1752 - Ehon Kotowasagusa (the Picture Book of Proverbs) - Toyonobu

Ishikawa Toyonobu  石川豊信  (1711-1758)

Ehon Kotowasagusa (The Picture Book of Proverbs)

Horeki 2 (1752) 

Published by - Suharaya Yajihe 須原屋弥治兵衛  

Carved by: Sawaki Shobe 左脇庄兵衛  

Size 22 x 16 cm approx 

2 Volumes (of 3). 20pp, 17pp.

Condition - Generally very good. Binding Loose for 1 volume. Some small tears to pages. Wrappers later?

This is a rare early edition of Proverbs by Toyonobu. One story describes the Daoist immortal (sennin) Kume, who is a renowned recluse and was able to fly. During one of his flights, he saw a young woman baring her legs while washing clothes, and it caused Kume to lose his concentration and fall from the sky.

Includes illustrations of Bamboo, Tigers, a frog, a snake, and Japanese gardens.

A rare early book which is uncommon in institutions.