1 comments about Modern Japanese Prints.

1. The book shows the Japanese woodblock print collection of the Carnegie Museum of Arts, mostly coming from a private collector. The prints are arranged by artist's name in alphabetical order with full details. Interestingly there are also preparatory sketches and watercolors next to the finished prints, thus giving an interesting perspective between the original work and its rendition as woodblock print.
   The prints are well rendered with good colours, although they are reproduced in small format.
   Absolute recommendation for anyone interested in modern Japanese prints

No comments about Moments.

1 comments about Collecting Modern Japanese Prints Then & Now.

1. I could not help but be disappointed with this book. I was expecting discussion and color prints from the "Modern Japanese Prints" , in contrast to the traditional ukiyo-e style. This art movement (from the early 1900's until present day), was split in two directions, the "shin-hanga" (new prints) and "sosaku-hanga" (creative prints). Unfortunately, this book only covers from the late 1950's until the early 1990's. This is the time period when the authors, Mary and Norman Tolman began their collection. (Thus they have no prints or discussion on Hashiguchi Goyo, Munaka Shiko and Onchi Koshiro.) The only postwar artist they include is Saito Kiyoshi. They concentrate on contemporary Japanese Prints, most of which followed the sosaku-hanga direction. They include many artists such as: Saito Kiyoshi, Sekino Jun'ichiro, Sasajima Kihei, Hiratsuka Un'ichi, Clifton Karhu and many others. I liked many of the artists but they are contemporary, to say the least. It also has an excellent discussion of printing techniques, what to look for when collecting, explanations on editions and artists proofs. A good book within its specified time period. Color prints are very well-done.

No comments about Whistler: Prosaic Views, Poetic Vision.

No comments about The Prints of Leroy Neiman, Vol 2.

No comments about Robert Davidson, Haida printmaker.

No comments about Rare and Expensive Postcards Book I (Rare & Expensive Postcards).

1 comments about Kansas Paper Money: An Illustrated History, 1854-1935.

1. The purpose of this book is to update the original 1980 Societyof Paper Money Collectors Kansas catalog. The author's past 30-plus years of in-depth study and research has produced an excellent monogram on this topic. As the book's title states, it's richly supplied with many black and white illustrations.
   
   No question the obsolete currency of early Kansas paper money is very rare. Keep in mind Kansas was in existence for only a short period of the obsolete note issuing period of which was from the early 1800s until the 1860s. Kansas became a Territory in 1854 and achieved statehood in 1861. The federal government took over the issuing of paper money soon thereafter. Hence, Kansas had only about 10 years to which bankers and merchants issued the obsolete notes that are today such popular collectors items.
   
   The book is organized into four major periods. These are: (1) Territorial Period (1854-1861), (2) Statehoold Period (Jan.-June, 1861) (3) Civil War (1861-1863), and (4) Post Civil War (1864-1879). The last two chapters deal with miscellanious scrip (1870-1930) and the Natonal Bank Note Period (1864-1935).
   
   Since there were different types of issues, the notes are further separated into three major categories. These are issues from banks, merchants, and municipal governments. Banks are further categorized as fraudulent and intended banks, commonly know as "wildcats" of the territorial period. The author's intent is to list the notes by type of issuer, in the historical period that was their issue.
   
   In the very early days Atchison and Leavenworth were logical choices for the establishment of the first two banks in Kansas. Hence, in many of the smaller towns the merchants were forced to include common banking practices into the operation of their business in order to survive.
   
   Lastly, the book contains eight appendices. A few of the more notable ones are modern reproductions of bank notes, altered notes, known written denomination of script, a list of pre-1863 banks that may have issued scrip and printers and engravers of pre-1880 notes. the book contains an excellent bibliography.
   
   The book is highly recommended to collectors of Kansas paper money and those interested in the early commercial development of Kansas, particularly the development of Kansas banking.

No comments about The Federal Duck Stamps: A Complete Guide.

No comments about Prints of the German Expressionists and Their Circle: Collection of the Brooklyn Museum.