A Collection of 18th-Century Decorated Papers and Paper Bindings
Title:
Hyakusenshou (One Hundred Fortunes)
Author:
Ryueiken
Imprint Date:
1713
Publishing Colophon:
Buyousyorin
Binding:
Stab-sewn paper binding: vat-dyed blue paper stiffened with thicker paper, folded edges.
Paper:
Vat-dyed blue paper
Collector's Notes:
Not being a specialist in east Asian bookbinding or printing traditions, there's a lot I don't know about this book. I'm aware that "editions" are generally based on the initial print of a given set of woodblocks, even if that set was reprinted several decades later. I'm also under the impression that there is difference in philosophy on the purpose of bookbindings: whereas European structures were developed with an emphasis on hard-wearing materials and tough engineering to accommodate parchment textblocks, an extra 500-1000 years of fine papermaking in Asian traditions precluded these fortifications in favor of thread-stitched soft paper covers which were easily replaced when worn out.
Thus, the date of 1713 given for this text (as stated out in its colophon) may differ from the actual date of printing and the binding by 10s or 100s of years. I believe it to be an 18th century printing and, at the latest, a 19th century binding, but I'd love for another specialist to correct or corroborate me.
Collection ID:
21.028





