Softcover, 9 x 6.25 inches. 40 double leaves bound Japanese style, [80] pages. Woodblock book with 120 pattern examples mostly printed in one to three colors. The binding thread appears recent but is serving well. A Fair to Good copy that has suffered some water damage, including discoloration to the wraps and a faint tidemark to the top gutter, a few areas of insect nibbling; images are generally unaffected. 

The first volume of Kokon Meibutsu Ruiju translated literally as the “Classified Collection of Famous Utensils of Ancient and Modern Times,” an 18-volume survey of Japanese meibutsu, or specialty items. The work was compiled by Matsudaira Harusato (1751-1818), the daimyō of Izumo Matsuyama-han and tea master who adopted the name Fumai. He appropriately began the series with decorative elements associated with chanoyu, the traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, including this book of patterns used in textiles and utensils. A masterful survey of Japanese material culture, rare and highly collectible, and deeply compelling visually.