Zee van snaarinstrumenten 1788

"Zee van snaarinstrumenten" is a book cover created by Kitao Shigemasa in 1788. Shigemasa was a prominent Japanese artist known for his woodblock prints, particularly those depicting kabuki actors and scenes from Edo-period life. The cover, a simple brown design with a single vertical panel of text, is a testament to Shigemasa's artistic versatility. The title, written in elegant calligraphy, suggests the book's contents may be related to music or performance art, likely featuring stringed instruments. While the artwork itself is austere, it showcases the artist's masterful hand in typography and design. This book cover, a rare glimpse into the world of Edo-period publishing, provides valuable insight into the artistic and cultural landscape of Japan in the late 18th century.