CHAPTER XI
ILLUSTRATED BOOKS
Hiroshige illustrated about thirty books. The earliest is entitled Kando
Chiyuzo,
and contains illustrations of Chinese Heroes, coloured
but in simple style, which the editors of the Memorial Catalogue ascribe
to the year 1816. Two years later he did the plates of one of three volumes
of humorous poems, Kyoka Murasaki no Maki,
which is of interest
not only because the other volumes were illustrated by Hokkei (the pupil
of Hokusai) and Toshu, but because therein his eight contributions are
signed Ichiryusai Hiroshige
with a character yu appearing
on some of his earliest colour-prints (which can thus be dated), but soon
abandoned for a yu written differently but with the same pronunciation.
His remaining book illustrations appeared at intervals of a year or two
throughout his career; and, as many are dated, the collector would be
well advised to acquire them for the purpose of studying the development
of his style and signatures. As already indicated, Hiroshige was very
fond of making poems, and especially those of a humorous or satirical
nature (kyoka); and a considerable proportion of the books are of this
kind. One of these is devoted to the Tokaido (Tokaido Meisho Dzuye,
published in 4 volumes, in 1849), and another to the
Kisokaido (3 volumes,
1851). In the latter year Kinshodo issued another Tokaido book, Tokaido
Fukei Dzuye,
in 4 volumes. The Memorial Catalogue refers to
a Collection of Comic Poems on all classes of Society (Kyoka Yamato
Jinbutsu
), in 7 volumes, as beautifully coloured,
but
the author has not seen it. One might hazard a guess - or perhaps a wish
- that the illustration therein of an Old Man Painting
(Plate
264 of the Catalogue) was a self-portrait - as, indeed, might well be
the Old Man enjoying Sake,
a kakemono with a comic poem by
that Taihaido Donsho who commissioned the Yedo Kinko Hakkei.
The reproduction in the Catalogue, No. 285, certainly suggests it.
Two other of the illustrated books have unusual interest, namely,
Yedo
Miyage
(Souvenirs of Yedo), issued between 1850 and 1867 by Kinkodo;
and a little copy-book for children, Tebiki Gusa,
from the
Iseya firm in 1849. The first began as a series of 4 volumes only, distinguished
by the names of the Four Winds, instead of by numbers, in the first edition
only; later editions have the usual numeration. Each of these is dated
1850. Two additional volumes (undated) were then added to the scheme,
the 6th having a synopsis of the contents of the whole set as it then
stood. After an interval, apparently, the series was further extended
by a 7th volume, the work of the First Hiroshige, but also without a date;
but it was not until 1861 that volume 8 appeared, with a tribute to
the memory of the master and a plain statement that the plates were based
on sketches left by him - valuable evidence as to the accuracy of the
suggestions already put forward in this book on the subject of the relationship
between Hiroshige and his pupils. This, which is unsigned, was probably
done by Shigenobu. Volume 9 appeared in 1864, with Shigemasa's signature;
and the series was concluded in 1867 by the same man, under his name
Rissho. There is a considerable falling off in the style of the last three
as compared with that of the first volumes. Shigemasa, claiming the title
of Second Hiroshige, is very proud of having depicted even the foreign
military exercises
- at that time the most potent and disturbing
factor in Japanese politics. Each of the volumes is furnished with a preface,
written, with one exception, by literary men engaged for the purpose.
These are of such interest that we have thought it well to give the translations
following.
YEDO MIYAGE
(Translation of Prefaces)
Vol. I. In olden time, during Horeki era (1751-63) one hundred
years ago, appeared the original Yedo Miyage,
first illustrated
by Nishimura Shigenaga, succeeding volumes by Suzuki Harunobu. They were
much liked, and in fact were called the origin of picture books. Unfortunately,
one year, during a fire, the blocks and all [the edition ?] were turned
to ashes. Sad indeed the loss ! for not only did they show the then prosperity
of the Eastern Capital, but also portrayed ancient customs. But the famous
places still remain, though changed by lapse of years; and on careful
consideration, the book-seller Kinkodo has brought out this (as it were)
revival of the edition, illustrated from life by Hiroshige at the publisher's
request. They will be a valuable present to take to distant or even foreign
countries, and it is interesting to compare the modern with the old.
Now, on the eve of publication, by request, with hasty brush I write these
few lines as preface.
Kanoye Inu - Dog Year (1850). - Early Autumn. KINSUI
CHINJIN, Writer.
Vol. II. [The translation is difficult, as there is a play
on words, an allusion to a poem in which the poet writes of the Eastern
Capital as being in a vast moor (No), the moon rising in Musashi
Moor (No) and setting in No, the capital.]
When rain falls on Musashi No not all the ground is wet, for vaster than
the raincloud are the grounds of No [the Capital]. No longer the No of
the poet, more numerous are the houses than the rushes of the fields.
In some places the streets are wide, but in general, the moon (now) rises
between roofs, and sets between roofs,-so populous is the city, so great
has it become.
The inhabitants both young and old enjoy the constant changes (and growths)
and the new interesting places.
Hiroshige, selecting the best scenes, with his exquisite touch has so
wonderfully portrayed the city, that his pictures seem better even than
the real sights! If one has never seen Yedo, to look at this book is sufficient:-
the best miyage this to take home or abroad.
Kanoye Inu - Dog Year (1850) - on a Summer Day. SHOTEI
GIYOFU, Writer.
Vol. III.- Different provinces differ as to the character of
their famous places: in Yamato there are old historical places, likewise
in Yamashiro surrounding Kyoto the ancient seat of royalty, but in Yedo
increased civilization increases the number and variety of interesting
spots.
In the Ise Monogatari, a poem runs:- Miyoshi no no tanomu no kari:-
Beseeching the wild geese of Miyoshi Moor
; I am told that
is near Kawagoe, but this is known only to few, because they are far from
Yedo.
You easily see the growth near you: Buddhist and Shinto temples - magnificent
buildings multiply and add to the wealth and power of the city. Witness
Tairei Kinryuzan and Sano Kanda, temples.
Already have the first and second volumes appeared; now that the third
is ready for publication, by request, I have let my brush write this preface.
Kanoye Inu - Dog Year (1850) - Middle of Autumn. KINSUI
DOJIN, Writer.
Vol. IV.- This work has now reached its 4th Volume. All views
are drawn with fidelity to nature, with exact truth. Of course rather
freely and unskilfully, but it may amuse children or serve as lesson books.
Landscape foliage and letterpress are treated in a sketchy manner: were
I to put in everything minutely, the scenes would be crowded with people,
and some places would look like a well-used ant-track. In future volumes
will be depicted fine temples, types of people, stories, warehouses and
shops, presented as if actually before you. Criticize the work if you
like, but I trust you will desire it and purchase it !
Written in Kanoye Inu - Dog Year (1850) - Beginning of Winter.
ICHIRYUSAI HIROSHIGE.
Vol. V. Many are the noted places and sights of Yedo, more than
a hundred, and yet varying view points increase the number, but it is
unnecessary to enumerate all and the many temples. In all seasons are
they depicted, to suit all tastes. Hiroshige's relation of the far and
near (perspective), the relative sizes of houses, horses, and people (sometimes
mere dots), are very accurate and unmistakable. So faithful and forceful
are his pictures that strangers will see it just as if they dwelt in the
Capital.
Written by:-KINSUI CHINJIN. (No Date.
Vol. VI. [After referring to plays, and music, the writer says:]
Hiroshige Daijin, depicts landscapes, grass, trees, birds and animals
so faithfully, that on looking at the views one seems to be alive amidst
them all.
This completes 6 Volumes written at the request of Kinkodo, by: SHOENSHU ZINBAIGEN. (No date.)
At the end of this Volume is a synopsis of contents of the 6 Vols. as follows:
Vol. I. Many noted places of Yedo, to show to strangers its many beauties, hence entitled Yedo Miyage - Souvenir of Yedo - a revival after a hundred years [of the old title in new form]. Beginning at the South East, round by Yatsumi Bridge, both banks of the Sumida River, as far East as Yanagi Island, the Hall of the 50o Disciples of Buddha - all are faithfully depicted by Ichiryusai.
Vol. II. Yedo Miyage, by Ichiryusai. Continuing the
series in Vol. I, beginning with Fukagawa Hachiman (Temple), via Shin
Ohashi to Tsukudajima, where fisher-folk with blazing braziers at the
bow attract the fish, as described in the poem: Shirauo-bune Takuya
Kagarino Nami wo Fake Kiyomi Gaseki! - (Where is it that the
braziers of the whitebait fishers seem to burn the waves ? 'Tis at Kiyomi
Cape!
) As of old, when the poem was written, there is no view like
it yet! The plum-trees of Omori and Kameido fill its pages with perfume.
There is nothing better as a Souvenir.
Vol. III. Continuing the series, we here have Tama River, where cloth is washed, Rokugo River, Haneda Ferry, Ikegami Temple, the evergreen Chiyo Pine, Wild geese flying across Kasumi Gaseki, etc., etc.
Vol. IV. In this Vol. are all the places noted for Cherry-blossoms: Kawaguchi Ferry, and the many scenes near Oji, many Cascades, Snow Scenes, all depicted in upto-date views.
Vol. V. From Nihon-Bashi the centre of the city, round by Tori Cho, with Mitsui's Store, Spring Scenes, Summer Cooling, and Famous Gardens, as far as Negishi, etc., etc.
Vol. VI. Famous Temples, Places of Amusement, Boats (hundreds of them in the river), both sides of the Yanagi-Bashi tea-houses, etc., etc. Such opulence and beauty is not to be seen in Korea or China !
Vol. VII Preface reads: Once a mulberry patch, now a
sea
- truly in this changeable world nothing remains immutable!
As the poem says, A deep pool may change to the rapids of a river.
When this work was planned the Six Volumes were thought to contain all
the views, but now not only going thirty miles outside of the city, but
old places changed require new pictures, so faithfully drawn that everyone
at once recognizes the localities. The artist wields the brush of great
achievement
Written by KINSUI DOJIN. Seal: SHOTEI. (No Date.)
Vol. VIII. Ichiryusai Hiroshige was a noted pupil of Toyohiro,
the Ukiyoye-shi (painter). He originated his own style, and depicted landscape,
flowers and birds, instead of real (or classical Kano) pictures, for which
his name is renowned. Why did not Heaven grant him longer life? To die
only a little over 50! This series of Yedo Miyage, the work of
years, used as presents to far-off places, with Volume added to Volume
has now extended to 8. It is now a memorial of him (since he is dead),
but from sketches left behind are these views reproduced. On my own behalf
I beseech the patronage of the rich, the princely, that they procure the
work to look at from time to time, in different seasons, for their amusement.
Dated: Kanoto Tori. Middle Autumn (1861). Written by
SHOTEI USO.
Vol. IX. [On title page are two signatures: Hiroshige fude
and Shigemase fude, the latter perhaps the signature of the vignette].
Everyone likes pleasant things; the one who does not is unique. Yedo
is a great city, full of noted places and brilliant scenes. All who see
it wish to relate its wonders. Words or letters cannot describe its beauties;
nothing is better (for that purpose) than pictures. A few years ago
the Master Ichiryusai was asked to prepare pictures for to Volumes. This
is the 9th. Vol. X is almost ready for publication in a few days. The
series is in fact a biography of the artist in brush-work. Whoever sees
the series, enjoys the sights as if he were actually among them.
Kinoye Ne (1864). Composed by YANAGI NO MON SHUJIN SHUNSUI.
Calligraphy by CHIKIDO.
Vol. X. Great is Yedo! Views in the Four Seasons. This is the
final one of 10 volumes. As a great poet, Bashio, said: Yukimi ni
korobu tokoro made. - (In viewing snow - watch it till it has
all fallen.
[i.e. get the whole set from start to finish.] After
the snow has stopped the earth is like silver.
) Whoever loves pictures,
this book will be found the best to give them. The Second Hiroshige
Rissho is certainly successful in his brush-work - we see even the foreign
military exercises. Kinkodo may well be proud of Yedo Miyage.
Hinoto U (1867). Composed by YAURA ITSUJIN.
Calligraphy by RIUSO CHUIN.
The second of the books here mentioned is the first volume of a projected
series which does not seem to have been continued. It was issued by Iseya
in 1849 and consists of 36 pages of colour-prints of flowers and fishes,
with one landscape, put forth specifically as copies for the use of children.
It was always customary for Japanese children to be taught drawing from
copies. Dexterity with the brush was the object sought for; and extraordinary
skill was attained in this respect. But the wonderful drawings of plant
and animal forms which have captured the admiration of Western educationists,
and have been made the subject of so many sentimental sermons on the advantages
of studying Nature, were all done in this way - from copies of drawings
by long-forgotten artists handed down from generation to generation. Japanese
art students did not go to Nature. The fact that Hiroshige did so, stamped
him, in the eyes of the elect, as a somewhat vulgar revolutionary. However,
he made this small contribution to the process - and, perhaps, abandoned
the competition with stereotyped formulae in despair. The Victoria and
Albert Museum is so fortunate as to possess the whole of the original
drawings for the printed book - that is, those first studies from which
the engraver's clean drawings have been made. They include an interesting
statement of some of the principles which underlay his methods, written
by himself on the several pages. He, at all events, would send the children
to Nature, adding slightly an artistic idea in the brush-work
;
and the ideal treatment
is to be based on the accurate
copy.
The reference to the Japanese equivalent of the pencil - the
Yakifude
- is also of interest. It is tantalizing that we
have not his second volume, dealing with landscape. The author has never
seen it; and Mr. H. Shugio, a keen student of Hiroshige's work, who has
specialized in the collection of his books, was only able to describe
the first volume in the Memorial Catalogue. The translation of the artist's
notes which follows was made by Mr. H. Inada.
YEHON TEBIKI GUSA (A Drawing-hook of Plant Form)
1849 - Publisher, Iseya.
Introduction. The way to paint pictures is to copy from Nature, but adding slightly an artistic idea in the brush-work. The publisher has asked me to publish my pictures of grasses, flowers, fishes, etc., which I have painted for amusement. I have accepted his offer and now issue this book, for the purpose of giving hints to children who wish to paint, though they have not yet begun to paint regularly in classes. Those grasses, trees, fishes, etc., which are not illustrated in this volume will be published later in successive volumes. Signed, Ichiryusai.
(1) Accurate copy of Fukujuso, with the same drawn in So-hitsu
or quick brush-work style. In the case of quick brush-work painting, each
petal should be painted in this manner with one stroke of the brush.
(2) Accurate copy of Sakuraso. There are several kinds of this plant,
here the easiest one is chosen for children. Also an ideal treatment of
the same. The flower to be done in pink colour, each petal with two strokes
of the brush, the leaf in green or grey with a few strokes of the brush
and the lines or nerves to be drawn afterwards.
(3) Himeyuri (lily) and Sumire (violet) accurately drawn with brush-work
drawing of the latter.
(4) Ajisai (hydrangea) drawn accurately and also in brush-work style.
(5) Wistaria as above.
(6) Iris.
(7) Peony.
(8) Na no Hana (rape).
(9) Giboshi, the mauve colour of which is seen in May to June and looks
like a kind of lily. Also Suge, a sort of rush.
(10) Kikyo, single and double. Light purple with white lines.
(11) Asagao and Hirugao (convolvuli).
(12) Fuyo (hibiscus) painted accurately.
(13) Susuki, autumn grass in brushwork style.
(14) Shukaido (begonia) and Mizuhikigusa in both styles.
(15) Suisen (narcissus) in both styles.
(16) Rice and Karukayaso drawn in both styles.
(17) Chrysanthemum and Hiogi in both styles.
(18) Cherry-blossom to be painted with white and pink. There are many
different kinds, the one illustrated only gives a general idea. The petals
are generally irregular. One must not draw flowers in too regular a form.
(19) To draw a Tai fish quickly. First draw the upright lines with Yakifude
[i.e. stick of soft wood burnt at the top and used instead of a pencil
before the Meiji period]. The head to take ¼ of the space, 2/4
for the body and ¼ for the tail, an extra 1/8 being taken for the
ends of the tail. Next draw the horizontal line and fix the proportion
of the eyes, mouth and fins. The proportion differs in different fish
as illustrated afterwards. Accurate drawings of Tai fish and Hobo.
(20) Akauwo (red fish). Proportion: 2/7 for head, 4/7for body, 1/7 for
tail. Fine scales
all over the body. Also Tai fish in brush-work style.
(21) Aji fish. Proportion: ¼ for head, ¾ for body. Drawn
in both styles.
(22) Mother of pearl oyster and Sayori fish. These do not require diagrams.
Drawn in both styles.
(23) Ayu (mountain trout). Proportion in 5 except the tail. Drawn in both styles.
(24) Tobiuwo (flying fish) Minokasago, and Hirame (sole).
(25) Fugu (poison fish) and Mouwo. Proportion: 1/3 for head, 2/3 for body. Fine scales. Drawn in both styles.
(26) Carp - scales to be painted with black and grey, shaded somewhat
darker on the back, then apply light yellow.
(27) Proportions for carp: ¾ for body, ¼ for head. The
head to be divided into 4 parts as shown. Central line of scales is divided
to make 36 principal scales. Drawn in both styles.
(28) Katsuo. Proportions in 4 parts, the tail having two. These fish are
in many colours, namely red, black, brown, etc. Drawn in both styles.
(30) Crab. Drawn in both styles.
(31) Lobster and shrimps. Drawn accurately.
(32) Lobster and shell-fish in brush-work style.
(33) Tortoises. Drawn in both styles.
(34) In landscape painting there is also proportion to be explained in the next volume.
(35) [The illustration is a fine view of Fuji seen from the flat land at its feet. The drawing is in line only;
but the published print is in full colour.]
(36) Dried fish hanging on a tree. Signature, Ichiryusai, seal, Hiroshige.
Hiroshige published, in 1851, a set of Tokaido Views in book form, to which reference is made on pp. 51-2 and a translation given of the preface, etc.