Original Imao Keinen (1845 - 1924) Japanese Woodblock Print Set
Complete, Original First edition Set, 1891
Series; The Four Seasons

Imao Keinen and the woodblocks of the four seasons - Imao Keinen is a noted woodblock print artist from the late 19th century specializing in birds and flowers subjects. His lovely woodblock prints are naturalistic representations of birds in their native habitat and the beautiful Japanese flora.

Keinen’s most famous work is titled "Keinen Kacho Gafu" and was a stunning four-part work of woodblock prints of birds and flowers in the four seasons. The woodblock prints in the set are full oban vertical subjects in a natural soft color palette. Featuring stunning large birds and beautiful small songbirds against scenery like blossoming cherry branches or snow covered trees, these are exceptional nature prints from the 19th century.

Fuji Arts Offer of an Original Complete Keinen Set - This evening we are excited to make an unprecedented offer of a complete set of Keinen prints from the four seasons series. This is a complete bound set in four volumes from the 1891 release of "Keinen Kacho Gafu". There are 160 prints in the set, 40 per volume, Keinen’s set includes both individual subjects and some diptychs (two prints comprising a beautiful large single image).

Search the web, we found Keinen prints sold individually in the $175 - $350 range. Our fixed price set of 160 prints at $5,900 is an excellent set price for this fine original set and a great opportunity for a collector or for resale. A complete, unbroken set in the original binding is a rare find. If this set appeals to you, buy now, it is unlikely that you’ll see another.

Specifics of the Set - This set is bound in the original covers and is complete in four volumes (one for each season). The prints are stitched at the binding edge in typical Japanese folio style. This stitching can be seen on the outside of the folios (see photos). The set comes with the original outside fabric covered case that folds open and is closed with sliding fasteners in the Japanese manner (please see photos). All four volumes fit exactly within this case.

Artist & Signature - Keinen Imao
Image size - 8 3/4" x 12 1/2" + margins as shown
Condition - The set is in beautiful condition overall with four separate volumes all nicely preserved. There is no worm damage or mildew as one often finds in these Keinen sets. The prints have been stored only and the colors are excellent. The covers are pristine. The paper is very slightly darkened with age- a beautiful sense of age, not toned. A couple light smudges here or there (on just a few prints) as would be expected over a group of 160 prints. One print has a significant stain, on that print only (please see our photo link to view that stain). Otherwise there are no negative issues that need to be pointed out. Very nice for one of these sets.