Further Reading

To view a listing of objects without the introductory text, click here.

T. Tokuno, “Japanese wood-cutting and wood-cut printing,” S.R. Koehler, ed., in Smithsonian Institution. United States National Museum. Annual Report of the U.S. National Museum for 1892. (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1893), pp. 221-244. Smithsonian annual reports are available at many large libraries, and they can be accessed online through the Biodiversity Heritage Library project. The Tokuno report as edited by Koehler also was published as a separate pamphlet in 1894, and that edition is available online at Google Books, although the copy as digitized is missing some of the illustrations.

Almost a century later, former Smithsonian Graphic Arts curator Peter Morse published an updated version of the Tokuno text, "Tokuno's Description of Japanese Printmaking," with additional notes and annotations, in Essays on Japanese art presented to Jack Hillier, Matthi Forrer ed. (London : R.G. Sawers Pub., 1982).

The full text of the edited report is also available online, part of a very comprehensive website developed by David Bull who has added notes informed by his extensive knowledge of the process.

Ann Yonemura, curator at the Smithsonian’s Freer and Sackler Museums of Asian art, prepared an exhibition that included some of the NMAH Tokuno objects. The accompanying catalogue, Yokohama: Prints from nineteenth-century Japan, was published by the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in 1990.

The Smart Museum exhibition catalogue discusses a range of developments in color printing in France and Japan from the 18th through the early 20th centuries in the context of their interactions and further developments in China and Europe.Awash in Color: French and Japanese Prints, by Chelsea Foxwell and Anne Leonard, with contributions by David Acton, Laura Kalba, Andreas Marks, Andrew Stevens, Stephanie Su, and David Waterhouse. (Chicago: Smart Museum of the University of Chicago, 2012).

Another portion of the gift included several bound collections of prints, which now are housed in the Library of the Freer-Sackler Gallery. Some of them have been digitized, including ten volumes in Itsukushima zue, four volumes in Kōkōkan gashō and the two-volume Shūbi gakan. We are most grateful to Alessandro Bianchi, The Japan Foundation Assistant Curator of Japanese Art at the Freer Sackler Gallery, for his assistance in identifying and locating these volumes.

 

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print depicting a landscape scene. Single kimono-clad female figure in foreground; several men and a horse working in fields in background. Center print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03216.
Description
Japanese wood block print depicting a landscape scene. Single kimono-clad female figure in foreground; several men and a horse working in fields in background. Center print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03216. 25 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 10 printing surfaces on six blocks, GA 03214.01-.06, of which this is the 20th progressive proof, adding dark gray-green to the landscape and trees.
Location
Currently not on view
engraver
Morikawa, Kokichiro
designer
Kuniteru, Utagawa
printer
Nakamura, Tsurusaburo
ID Number
GA.03215.20
catalog number
03215.20
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print depicting a landscape scene. Single kimono-clad female figure in foreground; several men and a horse working in fields in background. Center print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03216.
Description
Japanese wood block print depicting a landscape scene. Single kimono-clad female figure in foreground; several men and a horse working in fields in background. Center print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03216. 25 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 10 printing surfaces on six blocks, GA 03214.01-.06, of which this is the 21st progressive proof, adding dark green on kimono and foreground details. Very fragile, in pieces, with tears and losses.
Location
Currently not on view
engraver
Morikawa, Kokichiro
designer
Kuniteru, Utagawa
printer
Nakamura, Tsurusaburo
ID Number
GA.03215.21
catalog number
03215.21
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print depicting a landscape scene. Single kimono-clad female figure in foreground; several men and a horse working in fields in background. Center print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03216.
Description
Japanese wood block print depicting a landscape scene. Single kimono-clad female figure in foreground; several men and a horse working in fields in background. Center print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03216. 25 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 10 printing surfaces on six blocks, GA 03214.01-.06, of which this is the 22nd progressive proof, adding light blue details. Very fragile, with tears.
Location
Currently not on view
engraver
Morikawa, Kokichiro
designer
Kuniteru, Utagawa
printer
Nakamura, Tsurusaburo
ID Number
GA.03215.22
catalog number
03215.22
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print depicting a landscape scene. Single kimono-clad female figure in foreground; several men and a horse working in fields in background. Center print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03216.
Description
Japanese wood block print depicting a landscape scene. Single kimono-clad female figure in foreground; several men and a horse working in fields in background. Center print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03216. 25 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 10 printing surfaces on six blocks, GA 03214.01-.06, of which this is the 23rd progressive proof, adding reddish effects to the kimono. (Red has faded or printed as brownish red?) Very fragile, tears.
Location
Currently not on view
engraver
Morikawa, Kokichiro
designer
Kuniteru, Utagawa
printer
Nakamura, Tsurusaburo
ID Number
GA.03215.23
catalog number
03215.23
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print depicting a landscape scene. Single kimono-clad female figure in foreground; several men and a horse working in fields in background. Center print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03216.
Description
Japanese wood block print depicting a landscape scene. Single kimono-clad female figure in foreground; several men and a horse working in fields in background. Center print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03216. 25 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 10 printing surfaces on six blocks, GA 03214.01-.06, of which this is the 24th progressive proof, adding bright red and black to the kimono. Not faded; good condition.
Location
Currently not on view
engraver
Morikawa, Kokichiro
designer
Kuniteru, Utagawa
printer
Nakamura, Tsurusaburo
ID Number
GA.03215.24
catalog number
03215.24
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print depicting a landscape scene. Single kimono-clad female figure in foreground; several men and a horse working in fields in background. Center print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03216.
Description
Japanese wood block print depicting a landscape scene. Single kimono-clad female figure in foreground; several men and a horse working in fields in background. Center print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03216. 25 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 10 printing surfaces on six blocks, GA 03214.01-.06, of which this is the 25th (and final) proof, adding blue jackets on workers. Colors bright, not faded but badly torn.
Location
Currently not on view
engraver
Morikawa, Kokichiro
designer
Kuniteru, Utagawa
printer
Nakamura, Tsurusaburo
ID Number
GA.03215.25
catalog number
03215.25
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24. Separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the first progressive proof, the outline of the entire image printed from the key block.
Location
Currently not on view
printer
Nakamura, Tsurusaburo
designer
Kuniteru, Utagawa
ID Number
GA.03216.01
catalog number
03216.01
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215.24 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the 2nd progressive proof, adding reddish tones to the faces, now faded.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Morikawa, Kokichiro
ID Number
GA.03216.02
catalog number
03216.02
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the 3rd progressive proof, adding red lips to the faces.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Morikawa, Kokichiro
ID Number
GA.03216.03
catalog number
03216.03
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the 4th progressive proof, adding reddish details to landscape and costume.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Morikawa, Kokichiro
ID Number
GA.03216.04
catalog number
03216.04
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the 5th progressive proof, adding yellow details to costume.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Morikawa, Kokichiro
ID Number
GA.03216.05
catalog number
03216.05
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the 6th progressive proof, adding gray details to landscape.
Location
Currently not on view
engraver
Morikawa, Kokichiro
ID Number
GA.03216.06
accession number
22582
catalog number
03216.06

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the 7th progressive proof, adding reddish details to landscape.
Location
Currently not on view
engraver
Morikawa, Kokichiro
ID Number
GA.03216.07
accession number
22582
catalog number
03216.07

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the 8th progressive proof, adding gray surface to landscape.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Morikawa, Kokichiro
ID Number
GA.03216.08
catalog number
03216.08
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the 9th progressive proof, adding turquoise to landscape and costume details.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Morikawa, Kokichiro
ID Number
GA.03216.09
catalog number
03216.09
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the 10th progressive proof, adding blue to sky.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Morikawa, Kokichiro
ID Number
GA.03216.10
catalog number
03216.10
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the 11th progressive proof, adding more blue to sky.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
GA.03216.11
accession number
22582
catalog number
03216.11

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the 12th progressive proof, adding dark blue edge to ponds to landscape.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Morikawa, Kokichiro
ID Number
GA.03216.12
catalog number
03216.12
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the 13th progressive proof, adding more blue details to landscape.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Morikawa, Kokichiro
ID Number
GA.03216.13
catalog number
03216.13
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the 14th progressive proof, adding gray-green details to landscape.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Morikawa, Kokichiro
ID Number
GA.03216.14
catalog number
03216.14
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the 15th progressive proof, adding reddish details.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
GA.03216.15
accession number
22582
catalog number
03216.15

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the 16th progressive proof, adding bright blue color to kimono of standing figure.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Morikawa, Kokichiro
ID Number
GA.03216.16
catalog number
03216.16
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the 17th progressive proof, adding red details on kimonos and hair ornaments.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Morikawa, Kokichiro
ID Number
GA.03216.17
catalog number
03216.17
accession number
22582

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the 18th progressive proof, adding dark blue on kimono.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Morikawa, Kokichiro
ID Number
GA.03216.18
catalog number
03216.18
accession number
22582

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