The KEY-BLOCK, for printing the black outlines only. First printing from KEY-BLOCK. Second printing, with GREY added to proof from key-block. The block is also cut for the twelfth printing, GREEN. Fifth printing, PALE BLUE. The block is also cut for the fourth printing, BROWN. Sixth printing, BLUE PATTERN. The block is also cut for a printing not used. Seventh printing, BLUE. Eighth printing, YELLOW Ninth printing, GREY. Tenth printing, BROWN (second time used). Eleventh printing, BROWN PATTERN. The block is also cut for the third printing, PALE PINK. Thirteenth printing, CRIMSON. Fourteenth printing, CRIMSON PATTERN. Fifteenth printing, PURPLE. Sixteenth printing, BURNISHED BLACK, giving the completed print.
NOTE.--The above are exhibited, in a separate case, in the Museum. In the Students' Room is a set of proofs showing separate printings from each block. The key-block of the above series is original; the colour-blocks were made in the and half of the 19th century.
The Museum also possesses the following original Woodblocks.
BAIREI, Kono (d. 1895). Wood-blocks (4) used for a leaf of "The Hundred Birds." 1881. Cut both sides. (9¼×14¼). 583-1886. Exhibited with an original drawing and a proof from one of the blocks. The Museum contains the whole of the original drawings, which were specially preserved, and a copy of the publication. BUNKEN (19th century). Key-block for a colour-print. Eagle flying over the sea. (9½×10 3/8) E. 4934-1903 The back is engraved to print one of the colours, c. 1880. GAKUTEI, Harunobu _(worked_ C. 1800-1830).
Key-block for a _Surimono._ A carp swimming upwards. (8½× 8 3/8) 262-1903. Key-block for a _Surimono._ Geisha and peacock. (8¼×10). 4946-1903.
HARUNOBU(1724-1770). Key-blocks for a set of five book-illustrations by Harunobu, c. 1770. _Av. size_ (8¼×10¾). E, 2168-2172-1909. Presented by J. S. Happer, Esq. HIROSHIGE (1796-1858). Key-block for an early set of lateral prints by Hiroshige, entitled "Toto Meisho Saka Tsukushi-no Uchi-Yedo." Series of steep roads in Yedo. Sub-title on face of print: "Aoizaka-no Dzu." The reverse was used many years later for a set of views by Hiroshige and Toyokuni (Kunisada). (10¾×15 ½). E. 2166-1909. Presented by J. S. Happer, Esq. Key-block for a half-plate set of "Toto Meisho" (views of Yedo) by Hiroshige. On the reverse is one of the colour-blocks for each half. (15×10¼). E. 2167-1909. Presented by J. S. Happer, Esq. HOKKEI, Todoya ShunyoÌsai (c. 1780-1850). Key-block for a _Surimono._ A woman with writing materials. (8 3/8 ×8½). 261-1903. KAGESHIGE(19th century). Key-block for a _Surimono._ Fan and incense-burner, each on a stand. (9×10¼). E. 4945-1903. The back is engraved to print two of the colours. KIKUSAI(19th century). Block for book-illustration. The three long-lived men--ToÌboÌsaku (9,000 years), Urashima TaroÌ (8,000 years), and Miura-no-Osuke (106 years). (7×10½). E. 4941-1903. On the back are several incomplete engravings. ODAKE (19th century). Wood-blocks (8) for illustrations to "Mitford's Tales of Old Japan" (1871) with a set of proofs. Various sizes. E. 1401-1888. SADANOBU _(worked_ c. 1820-1840). Key-block for a colour-print. Daikoku and Okame wrestling before the rest of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. (6½×9 3/8). E. 4942-1903. The back is engraved to print gold. SEIKA (19th century). Key-block for a colour-print. Landscape with Mount Fuji and Storks. (6 3/8 ×8½). E. 4936-1903. SUNKICHIROÌ, Shunka (19th century). Key-blocks (8) for book-illustration. "ZoÌshoÌ Mono-gatari." History of Soldiers. By HakoÌ ShoÌbei. Published by Fusi Kiken at Kyoto, Osaka and Yedo, A.D. 1846, 3rd month. Cut both sides. (8×13). 381, 382, 387, 388, 393-396-1895. SUGISAKI, S. _(Living Artist.)_ Engraved wood-block, showing a decorative design of bamboo plants: designed, engraved and printed by S. Sugisaki. (51×18 5/8). E. 3790-1910. A print from the above. E. 3790a-1910. Presented by the Artist. SUIKO (19th century).