Illustrated Account of a Journey to the West 1803
shibakokan
photo of handprinted image
aged paper
toned paper
water colours
possibly oil pastel
coloured pencil
pastel chalk drawing
watercolour bleed
watercolour illustration
watercolor
This is the cover of an illustrated book by Shiba Kōkan (1747-1818) entitled "Illustrated Account of a Journey to the West". It was created in 1803 and is a small book with a blue cover and a vertical spine. It showcases the prominent use of black calligraphy on the front cover of the book. The cover is worn and damaged but displays signs of its original color and texture. This work is a great example of how artists of the Edo period combined artistic and literary styles, showcasing a popular classic tale of Chinese literature and art.
Comments
Fascinated by European art the painter Shiba Kokan was a pioneer of Western-style painting and engraving. In 1787 he undertook a journey to the Dutch trading post on Dejima. He incorporated his observations and experiences in a book with illustrations of the interiors of the houses on the island. Here we see spittoons placed beside every chair.
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