EHON MUSASHI ABUMI: PICTURE BOOK "THE STIRRUPS OF MUSASHI."

[Edo 1836, Nishimiya]. Original green stitched covers, very good, 58p. woodcut illustrations, 32 double folded sheets, strong impression, blue cloth case Chitsu, usual edge,corner wear & a bit thumbed, 16 x 22 cm. RARE FIRST EDITION . *** **** *** . . ONE OF HOKUSAI'S MOST FAMOUS WORKS . . . INCLUDING MUSASHI BO-BENKEI . . * In this sequel to Hokusai's companion work, EHON SAKIGAKE, his warrior series, Hokusai again explains in the preface his goal to express the freedom of movement of the human body under heavy armor. . * A very nice example of some of Hokusai's best warrior drawings and action-packed-sword wielding Samurai defending against enemy attacks. Done at age 77, Hokusai signed this work: "The Mad Old Man of Painting." . * Musashi takes on his advisories, fights the great carp, pays homage to the great serpent, rides his fearless steed into war, sword fights, against the forces of evil, and saves the helpless and meek. Stunning period work covering the exploits of Musashi the Buddhist warrior monk. & Original FIRST EDITIONS of this vintage are RARE. This example represents a "by-gone era" of this fine caliber of artistic creation. Seldom found for sale in a complete and solid state with an early & strong impression. . *** THE ARTIST: KATSUSHIKA HOKUSAI [1760-1849]: Hokusai was Japan's most famous Edo period illustrator of Japanese genre, landscape, scenery and of the daily lives and occupations of the commoners. His works are full of cheerfulness, humor, optimism and he had a knack of capturing the true nature of his time, people and life style. He was affectionately called the "MAD MAN ON DRAWING" by the Japanese. His works continue to fascinate the world over ! . Please visit our website where others by/about Hokusai are posted, along with photographs. . *** BIBLIOGRAPHY: J. Hillier: HOKUSAI, pp. 227-232. * BROWN, Louise N.: BLOCK PRINTING AND BOOK ILLUSTRATION IN JAPAN, p.183 * TODA, Kenji.: DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF JAPANESE AND CHINESE ILLUSTRATED BOOKS IN THE RYERSON LIBRARY OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO. p.263. * Dawes pp.55-57. * KERLEN, H.: CATALOGUE OF PRE-MEIJI JAPANESE BOOKS & MAPS IN PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN THE NETHERLANDS. #295 * James S. DE BENNEVILLE: SAITO MUSASHI-BO BENKEI: TALES OF THE WARS OF THE GEMPEI...Saito Musashi-bo Benkei the Warrior Monk. * .