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These compositions were made by 4 renowned Japanese artists: Kadji-ta Han-ko; Kawa-nabe Kiyo-sui; Oka-koura Shiou-soui; Kano Tomo-nobou.
- The proof announces a print run of 350 numbered copies on luxury Japanese paper (i.e. 150 on Tori-no-ko and 200 on Hô-sho).
- It was also published in large unnumbered plain paper format. The quantities of the unnumbered books are not known.
- In addition to the plain paper versions (sometimes called "large paper"), it appears that the book was published in a smaller-sized crepe paper version. The title page of the crepe paper version is black with a simpler border and seal in brown. Some lists have the crepe paper version published in 1904. Some books (plain paper and crepe paper) are found with a stamp "E. Flammarion Editeur" in red in the lower left corner of the front cover.
- The book was also reported as "stamped and painted (extra Japanese paper)" at a considerable price.
(baxleystamps.com)
Our copy is the version on crepe paper dated 1894, with the title page entirely in black and a simple border. We find the stamp "E. Flammarion Publisher" in red in the lower left corner of the first cover plate.
Japanese binding, silk spine. First covers illustrated by Kadji-ta Han-ko - Copy in very good general condition, very clean crepe paper except for the first cover of the second volume slightly rubbed (color a little faded compared to the first volume very fresh, without gravity ).
Superb illustrated book, a remarkable interpretation of La Fontaine's fables in the style of Japanese prints (ukiyo-e). Very rare.
Jean de La Fontaine; Pierre Barboutau; Kadji-ta Han-ko; Oka-koura Shiou-soui; Kano Tomo-nobou
Choice of Fables by La Fontaine
Tokyo, S. Magata [Flammarion], 1894
in-8 (20 x 15 cm); non-paginated, 26+26 sheets folded and printed on both sides
Subject: Superb Fables La Fontaine on Crepon Paper printed in Tokyo ill. of Japanese Prints Ukiyo-e Kadji-ta Han-ko Oka-koura Shiou-soui Kano Tomo-nobou 1894 Art 67493191
