Description
This ehon (illustrated book) is the second volume of author Seifu Shimizu's ten-volume series Unai no Tomo (A Child's Friends). Published by the Kyoto-based publisher Unsodo, this particular volume dates to 1902. It includes 45 single page illustrations, 2 double-page illustrations, and 8 pages with text. The illustrations are generously embellished with metallic pigments. Another impression of this volume can be found in the Brooklyn Museum.
Director of a major Tokyo shipping company during the late 19th century, Seifu Shimizu was also an author, artist, and calligrapher, studying under Hiroshige III. His personal interest in Japanese folk toys led to the 10-volume series Unai no Tomo (A Child's Friends). Published between 1891 and 1913, the first six volumes were based on his own paintings. Following Shimizu's death in 1913, the following four volumes were completed by his friend Tekiho Nishizawa. The series is considered an important reference on Japanese folk toys.
About the artist
Director of a major Tokyo shipping company during the late 19th century, Seifu Shimizu was also an author, artist, and calligrapher, studying under Hiroshige III. A passionate collector of Japanese folks toys. Shimizu founded both Odomokai and Takeumakai for the appreciation and study of these toys. His personal interest in Japanese folk toys led to the 10-volume series Unai no Tomo (A Child's Friends). Published between 1891 and 1913, the first six volumes were based on his own paintings. Following Shimizu's death in 1913, the following four volumes were completed by his friend Tekiho Nishizawa. The series is considered an important reference on Japanese folk toys.