Banshoku zuko, one vol. of 5 published

Date:: n.d.
Medium:: Book; woodblock printed
Format:: Oban
Source:: Art Institute of Chicago

Typical Price

Reproduction or loose page (20th-century): $50–$300
Later Edo-period volume or leaf (some wear): $500–$3,000
Good earlier Edo-period impression (clean binding or leaf): $3,000–$15,000
Fine early Edo-period volume (original binding, vivid color): $15,000–$50,000

Hokusai's illustrated books and albums span six decades and showcase the full range of his genius. Hokusai Manga (15 volumes, 1814–1878) original volumes sell for $2,000–$15,000 each; complete sets can reach $30,000–$80,000.

Description

Banshoku zuko — a design and pattern manual — represents Hokusai's engagement with the publishing of practical craft reference materials that circulated widely in Edo's artisan and merchant communities. Only one volume of the planned five was ever published, making surviving copies rare witnesses to a project of technical instruction that was curtailed before completion.