Gekko's Sketches in Iroha-alphabet order (Vol. 2 1898

Ogata Gekko created this sketchbook in Japan, most likely using readily available paper and binding techniques. Looking closely, you can see that the paper is thin, and the cover has a warm, aged tone. Traditional Japanese bookbinding is a craft of precision, involving careful folding and stitching to create a durable and beautiful object. The cover has printed text and seals, signs of the book's content and origin. Sketchbooks like this were essential tools for artists. They capture fleeting ideas and practice techniques. This volume is organized by the Iroha-alphabet, suggesting a systematic approach to learning and creating. This reminds us that art-making is a blend of inspiration, hard work, and established methods. By appreciating the craft in this humble sketchbook, we can expand our understanding of the artist’s process and the social context of art production. It challenges the idea of fine art as separate from craft, revealing the value and skill involved in everyday creative practices.