Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
An exquisite two-volume Japanese woodblock-printed book set (ehon) titled 'Tōto Shōkei Ichiran' (Fine Views of the Eastern Capital), illustrated by the legendary ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai. These volumes feature panoramic, double-page illustrations of famous scenic spots around Edo (modern-day Tokyo), accompanied by kyōka (humorous poems).
Story
Published in 1800, this masterpiece was created by Hokusai just as he was solidifying his reputation as Edo's premier illustrator. It served as both a poetic travel guide and a celebration of the city's vibrant daily life. These pages allowed ordinary citizens to travel vicariously through the brush of a genius.
Maker / Origin
Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) is arguably Japan's most famous artist, globally renowned for his iconic print 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa'. A restless genius who changed his name over 30 times and lived in dozens of homes, Hokusai revolutionized the ukiyo-e genre by elevating landscapes and daily human activities into high art.
Condition & Value
The covers show typical handling wear, light creasing, and minor soil consistent with age. The interior pages appear remarkably clean with vibrant colors, minimal foxing, and intact binding thread. Excellent preservation of the interior woodblock prints greatly supports the value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.