2 different editions in 5 and 12 vol. of Kaishien gaden [The mustard seed garden painting manual].

Ca. 20 x 13 cm.

2 sets of cased books (worn).

Famous Meiji period sets of printed volumes dealing with Chinese painting subjects and techniques. The Qing dynasty painting manual had a great impact on Japanese nanga (southern style) painters.
1. 5 vol., 1880-1890. Chrysanthemum (2 vol.: 1 b/w, 1 coloured), plum blossoms (idem), lilies (1 vol. coloured). Ink and colour on paper, each illustration with red seal and text (prints in good condition with good colours).-- 2. 12 vol. (complete), early 20th. c.: 610 pp. of which 548 have woodblock prints (ill. with blurred outlines, later copy, light stains).