Kitao Masayoshi (1764-1824), Sanryō ezu Keisai soga ([Nagoya: Tōhekidō, 1839). Volume 4 only. Graphic Arts Collection uncatalogued

The Japanese painter and book illustrator Kitao Masayoshi (also known as Kuwagata Keisai, 1761-1824) was only a teenager when he began studying under the master printmaker Kitao Shigemasa. Graphic Arts is fortunate to own volume 4 of his 5 volume set of “Keisai soga” or various pictures by Keisai published around 1830. These simple designs show the talent and versatility of the artist, in particular his use of multi-color inking on a single block.