A Set of 56 Pages of Spectacular Obi Designs: Wood Block Prints and Hand Painted

early to mid twentieth century
each leaf approximately: 14" x 9 1/2", 35.5 cm x 24 cm

This is a set of 56 individual pages of what appear to be obi designs and most likely coming from the studio of an obi maker or an obi dealer.

Each of the designs is woodblock printed and some seem to be embellished with hand painted details. Each leaf contains at least two designs. Because there are notes and some color swatches on a few of the pages this seems to be evidence that these were working drawings, either for the maker or the broker taking orders to have them made up for a client.

The collection is inventive and the variety of designs and patterns is stunning. Most of the designs are based on traditional ones but in keeping with Japanese artistry, there are original riffs on tried and true designs. The artwork here is fresh and exciting.

Simply a wonderful resource for a textile designer or also wonderful for a large project needing a good deal of framed art: each of these framed would be very attractive for a comprehensive installation.

Please note some of the pages are brittle, some have ragged edges from use.

Extraordinary.

Recommended.