ONCHI KOSHIRO (1891-1955), illustrator and author; Umi no dowa (Fable of the sea) (Tokyo: Hangaso, 1934); unnumbered from a limited edition of 35, unbound folio, 8 leaves, 6 woodcut illustrations in color opposite printed poems numbered with woodcu

Details
ONCHI KOSHIRO (1891-1955), illustrator and author; Umi no dowa (Fable of the sea) (Tokyo: Hangaso, 1934); unnumbered from a limited edition of 35, unbound folio, 8 leaves, 6 woodcut illustrations in color opposite printed poems numbered with woodcut numerals, 11.3/8 x 8.5/8in. (28.5 x 21.8cm.), prints in good condition with slight discoloration at margin edges, paper slightly toned, light foxing, edges rubbed, top edge lightly stained, outer cover stained and soiled

Lot Essay

For another example see Onchi Koshiro hangashu/Prints of Onchi Koshiro (Tokyo: Keishosha, 1975), pp. 98-99, pls. 165-70.

Poems by the artist entitled Umi to nyotai (Sea and female figure), and subtitled "Fable accompanied by six prints", accompany a suite of six prints in this children's book. Onchi had complete artistic control over the book's production and chose even the typography and layout. In this way he could be assured that the essential nature of the book was reflected in all its properties, a feat not often possible with commercially-commissioned book designs.