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قراءة كتاب Tools and materials illustrating the Japanese method of colour-printing
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Tools and materials illustrating the Japanese method of colour-printing
Victoria and Albert Museum. J. 8494.
HISTORICAL NOTE
[pg 5]
The process of colour-printing from wood-blocks, used in Japan from the early part of the 18th century, has much in common with that of the so-called chiaroscuro wood-cuts first produced in Italy and Germany during the 16th century, of which the work of Andrea Andreani (1540-1623) supplies good examples. It is possible that the Japanese method was derived from this source, either directly or by way of China. Japanese tradition ascribes the invention to Takekawa Minosuke (Manji Period, A.D. 1658-1660); and a volume of Costume Designs in the Museum, dated 1667 (O4. C. 20), is printed in colours, only one, however, being used on each plate. The Chinese are known, with certainty, to have employed this process before the end of the 17th century; but no Japanese colour-print has yet been recorded, which can be placed, authentically, earlier than the second quarter of the 18th century. Credit for the first production of them is generally given to Torii Kiyonobu (1664-1729); but the greatest development was due to Suzuki Harunobu (died A.D. 1770, aged 67 years). Japanese authorities say that the improvements popularized by this artist were invented by an engraver named Kinroku, in conjunction with a printer; and that Harunobu, employing them to reproduce his pictures, about the year 1765, thus laid the foundation of a school of artists who found their chief occupation in designing for this class of work. Katsugawa Shunsho (died A.D. 1792, aged 67 years) developed the process still further; and it reached its highest technical level before the close of [pg 6] the 18th century. Soon after the year 1800, a gradual decline is seen; which manifested itself both in the increase of the number of blocks used, and in the loss of quality in the colours. However, many prints of remarkably high technical excellence were still produced up to about the year 1864; soon after which time, all refinement both of engraving and printing seems to have been lost. The last 20 years or so, have, however, witnessed a sort of revival, by no means without merit in its way; and the adaptation of the process to the requirements of book-illustration and the reproduction of works of art, has reached a remarkably high standard in such publications as the Kokka and those of the Shimbi ShoÌin.
It is not unimportant to add that this process, sometimes modified in detail, has been revived in Europe; and is now practised by a considerable number of artists. The Department of Engraving, Illustration, and Design contains a representative collection of their productions, including a consecutive set of working proofs (E. 20-26, 1904) of a print by Mr. J. D. Batten and Mr. Morley Fletcher, who were the first to use the method in England. The collection also includes a similar set of working proofs of the modern development of the process, as used for the reproduction of paintings by Old Masters by the Shimbi ShoÌin(E. 1862-2043, 1910).
THE DRAWING
[pg 7]
Designs for Japanese colour-prints were made by artists, who, as a rule, were adherents of the Popular (Ukiyoye) School and, socially, of the rank of artisans. The drawing was done with a brush on very thin Mino or Gampi paper, the colours used being washes of water-colour worked with rice-paste medium. To correct the design, the portions to be altered were covered with pieces of paper, on which the revised drawing was made. The completed design (generally, to begin with, in black lines only, or with only a little tint as a guide to the engraver) was then fastened face downwards on the block with rice starch weakened with water. As much as possible of its upper surface was rubbed away, some oil being used to make the remainder more translucent, and thus to enable the engraver more easily to follow the lines of the drawing.
It is evident that this process resulted in the destruction of the designs. The Museum, however, has acquired a number of unused drawings, which fully illustrate this stage; and the series of blocks exhibited (E. 4136-4322, 1909) have, in several instances, remains of the paper still adhering to the uncut portions of their surfaces.
| 1. | ILLUSTRATION of a colour-print artist making a design; showing his position when drawing and method of holding the brush. A colour-print in the Japanese manner, by Emil Orlik, of Prague. E. 796-19031 |
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| 2. | ORIGINAL DRAWING (not engraved) for a colour-print, showing the Artist's corrections. By Utagawa Kuniyoshi (A.D. 1797-1861). J.D. 1008. Subject—The celebrated swordsmith Sanjo Kokagi Munechika forging a blade in the grounds of the Inari Temple, assisted by a Fox-Spirit in the form of a woman. |
| 3. | ORIGINAL DRAWING (not engraved) for a 3-sheet colour-print, showing the Artist's corrections. By Hiroshige I. (A.D. 1796-1858). J.D. 2440 Subject—Street scene in Akabane, Tokyo. |
| 4. | BRUSHES used by (Japanese) painters of the Chinese School. E. 4203-4206-1911. Founded by Josetsu (2nd half of the 14th century). The style is still practised. |
| 5. | BRUSHES used by painters of the Tosa School. E. 4200-4202-1911. The School (the National School of Japanese Painting) was first composed of a number of groups, more or less related, which coalesced under the name of Tosa in the time of Kasuga Tsunetaka (early 13th century), who seems to have been the first to use this appellation. The style is still practised. |
| 6. | BRUSHES used by painters of the Sesshiu School. E. 4190, 4191-1911. Founded by Sesshiu (1420-1506), and based on the methods of the Chinese painters of the Sung Dynasty (960-1280). The style is still practised. |
| 7. | BRUSHES used by painters of the Kano School. E. 27-29-1913. Founded by Kano Masanobu (1453-1550). The style is still practised. |
| 8. | BRUSHES used by painters of the Maruyama and Shijo Schools (Naturalistic). E. 4192-4199-1911. Founded by Okyo Maruyama (1733-1795); and Matsumura Goshun (1752-1811). The style is still practised. |