Furuta J?r? ???? — Some E-Ch? ????. Gohachi ??

Furuta J?r? ????. Some E-ch? ????. Gohachi ??. Showa 36 [1961], June. 25.6 x 14.4cm orihon folding album of original, woodblock print designs in the S?saku Hanga ???? (Creative Print Movement) tradition by artist Furuta J?r? ???? (1921-). Pull off slip case of handmade paper has a centered, stenciled title within a design of squares printed in dark brown ink. Boards are covered in paper with a dark and bright blue lemniscate design and a colorful, printed title slip. This copy is number 31 of 50 printed and is signed by the author. Each page features two laid-down woodcuts approx 5.5 x 7cm, one above the other, with one larger 8 x 8.4cm woodcut on a single page. There are 19 woodcuts on one side and 22 on the reverse folds, for a total of 41. The charming designs of animals, birds, fish, eggplants, shells and other everyday objects faithful to the Mingei ?? (Folk Art) tradition are printed in rich blues, reds, greens and browns. A printed preface in Japanese text by the eminent artist and illustrator Hatsuyama Shigeru ??? (1897 - 1973) that comments on Furuta’s unique, naif style is laid-down opposite the issue number in the front of the book. On the rear there is a printed afterword in Japanese text by Furuta and below it is a decorated, woodcut colophon, with ‘31’ handwritten in bright orange ink, both laid down. Wear and toning to the pull on case at the top and bottom. Crease at the bottom left fore-edge of the book. .