Japan: Cover of the illustrated book Soga kokufu, 'Sketches of National Customs' by Oishi Matora (1794-1833). Published by Yoshinoye Nimbei, Kyoto; Tsuruya Kiemon, Edo; Kawachiya Kihei and Kawachiya Kichibei, Osaka, 1828

The son of a physician in Nagoya, Oishi Matora studied with Chô Gesshô and Watanabe Shûkei; he worked also in Edo and Osaka; practiced his own brand of Tosa-style drawing and painting. He died fairly young, possibly the result of alcoholism, and was said to have had episodes of insanity; he is considered masterful at depicting historical and contemporary history and costume of both the upper and lower classes.

His 'Soga kokufu’ is judged to be among his more impressive book productions, with its large size, excellent paper, and exquisite 2-color overprinting known in very fine impressions. It might have been targeted for distribution among samurai patrons as its subjects were the activities of the court and shrines.

The ‘Soga hyakubutsu’ was smaller in size and probably intended for a wider audience, perhaps even ukiyo-e style patrons, as it generally depicts daily activities of the lower classes. It shows a freer sketching style than the previous work

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

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