Samurai with a Dog, Triptych Illustrated Book Set, 1880

Illustrated Triptych Book Sets - Terrific set of three illustrated books. The full color covers form a triptych when placed side by side. The first volume has a diptych and a single panel with a few colors, and each book has many black and white illustrations surrounded by text. These books are installments in novels that were issued in multiple parts. Cover subjects range from beauties and noblemen to samurai and designs with supernatural elements. The covers are nicely detailed and printed, and the books have traditional stab bindings. These charming little three book sets are fun and unusual.

This Three Book Set - The cover of the center volume include burnishing on the black fur vest and black boots. Published in Meiji 13 (1880). The color diptych has burnishing on the black kimono and the black end of the obi. The color single panel has burnishing on the black kimono. The title page of the first volume shows a container of brushes and peacock feathers atop a red lacquer table, with blue, green, yellow, and brown.

Artist - Kunisada III (1848 - 1920)

Image Size - Single panel 5 7/8" x 4" + margins as shown; diptych 5 7/8" x 8 1/4" + margins as shown; each book 7" x 4 1/2"

Condition - Covers have nice color and good detail. Typical wear, binding intact. Small losses at top corners of two volumes. Some prints have a couple spots, soft vertical fold at side of two volumes.