Illustrated Ballad of Asagiri (“Morning Mist”)

2 vols; Each volume of Asagiri contains (35) small color prints of astonishing invention and charm, each with a facing page of text. A distinguishing feature is the front covers of the two volumes, which combine to form a diptych picture. It remains a possibility that both lithography and woodblock printing were used for this book, with lithography being used for the text and the picture outlines and woodblocks for the colors. These small volumes constitute a truly remarkable work and one of the most important examples of the Japanese illustrated book (絵本 ehon) genre produced in the 20th century. The covers play with the popular sword-and-sash novels of an earlier generation for which some great artists did woodblock covers that combine together to form a picture–like with Asagiri, a warrior on one and beauty on the other was standard. Although the two figures on the covers are in dress and hairstyles of an earlier era, the traditional themes disguise a new approach. Throughout the pages, the artist is gently subverting traditional Japanese forms, such as the images of beautiful women–the women in Asagiri are delicate and lovely but they are delicate and lovely with lovely big feet, capable hands, and a hint of perspiration more than perfume. Asagiri represents the kind of stimulating hybrid that is characteristic of this period.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.

Lionel Katzoff, Baltimore, MD [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 2023, by bequest.