The Abundance of the Mountains - Katsuma Ryūsai

A pair of 18th-century Japanese woodblock print covers from the volume The Abundance of the Mountains by Katsuma Ryūsai, dated 1764.

This image displays the covers of a two-volume set titled The Abundance of the Mountains, or Yama no Sachi, by the Japanese artist Katsuma Ryūsai. Dated to 1764, these volumes represent the tradition of Japanese woodblock printing, specifically focusing on the intersection of botanical study and artistic observation. The covers are constructed from a textured, deep blue paper, showing signs of age and handling that reflect their history as functional objects within a library or collection.

Each cover features a paper label affixed to the upper left corner, providing cataloguing information in both Japanese and English. The labels identify the contents as Flowers and Insects, a common subject matter for Ryūsai, who was a student of the master Katsushika Hokusai. The aesthetic is one of restraint and utility, typical of the Edo period bookbinding style. The paper displays a subtle, mottled surface, suggesting the use of natural dyes and traditional papermaking techniques.

Katsuma Ryūsai is recognised for his contributions to the genre of kacho-ga, or bird-and-flower pictures. While these covers do not show the internal illustrations, they provide a glimpse into the physical presentation of 18th-century Japanese printed material. The contrast between the dark blue ground and the light, neutral-toned labels creates a balanced visual arrangement. This piece is a study in the preservation of historical ephemera, offering insight into how such works were organised and archived. The presence of the artist's name and the specific date on the labels allows for precise identification within the broader context of Ukiyo-e publishing. Collectors of Japanese art will appreciate the authenticity of these covers, which serve as a direct link to the material culture of the period.