Imao Keinen and the Four Seasons - One of the most well-known Japanese painters of his time, Imao Keinen earned lasting fame for his beautiful and realistic bird and flower designs, or kacho-ga, painted with wonderful lifelike detail. Keinen’s most famous work, "Bird and Flower Albums by Keinen," (Keinen kacho gafu), commonly known as "The Four Seasons," is a stunning four-volume set of woodblock prints of birds and flowers in the four seasons, with one volume for each season. Published in 1891 - 1892, these lovely woodblocks feature stunning large birds and beautiful small songbirds against scenery such as blossoming cherry branches or snow-covered trees. The birds are naturalistically presented in their native habitat, featuring beautiful Japanese plants and flowers. Each volume includes 40 prints, with both single panels subjects and diptychs.
This Complete Keinen Set - We are excited offer a complete, 1891 - 1892 first edition set of "The Four Seasons," with four bound volumes in a traditional cloth-covered case with toggle closures. The prints are bound at the right edge with a traditional stab binding, with the title and season name on the cover of each volume. A complete, unbroken set in the original binding is a rare find. Keinen's "The Four Seasons" is a masterwork series of exceptional nature scenes, carefully observed and beautifully drawn, accented with soft color. These lovely designs are a wonderful choice for a collector interested in birds or Japanese kacho-e. Don't miss this opportunity to acquire this fantastic, complete Keinen "The Four Seasons" set.
Artist - Imao Keinen (1845 - 1924)
Size - Each image 12 1/2" x 8 1/2" + margins as shown
Condition - Prints with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight toning. A few subjects with spotting. Front cover of Summer album torn along binding, front and back covers of Autumn album torn along binding, repaired. Small losses at edge of front cover of Autumn album. Bindings broken. Wear at edges and fasteners of cloth case. Please see photos for details.
Examples from the Set
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