by Toyokuni III /Kunisada (1786 - 1864) and Kunisada II (1823 - 1880)
The Eight Lives of Buddha, a Japanese Library - Handsome diptych illustration from the series "The Eight Lives of Buddha, a Japanese Library" (Shakka hasso Yamato bunko), a novel based on the life of Buddha that was released in installments. Designed by Toyokuni III, the full-color covers of the volumes form diptychs when placed together. The names of both Toyokuni III and Kunisada II appear on some of the sets, and one is by Kunisada II alone. These attractive and colorful woodblocks are finely detailed and many feature deluxe printing techniques such as embossing or bokashi shading. An interesting genre of Edo era woodblock prints.
Artist - Toyokuni III /Kunisada (1786 - 1864) and Kunisada II (1823 - 1880)
Image Size - Single cover 7" x 4 5/8"; the two books form a diptych 7" x 8 1/4"; black and white diptychs 6 3/8" x 8 1/4" + margins as shown
Condition - Covers with good detail as shown. Soiling and rubbing at edges, a couple stains. Binding of one book is broken. Inside pages have soiling, creasing, and rubbing at edges. Several pages have stains. A few pages have losses at edges. Please see photos for details.
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