Denko Meien Zuroku [An Illustrated Catalogue Of The Denko River Tea Feast] Yamanaka Yoshichi

First edition. 2vols. Numerous collotype plates. Small 8vo, measuring 11.9x17cm. Original Japanese-style binding with printed title-slips in original chitsu (missing lower clasp). Overall in very good condition. Osaka, Shunkodo, dated Meiji 42, On November 8th, 1908 a series of tea meetings were held to commemorate the owner of Yamanaka Shunkodo, the second generation Yamanaka Kichibei (1806-1872) whose enterprise later changed its name to Yamanaka Shokai, the most important Japanese art dealer of the 19th with offices in London, New York and Boston. It was compiled by Yamanaka Yoshishi who had been adopted into the family. This is the first sencha ceremony record to be illustrated with photographs. It is fascinating to see that photography afforded a higher degree of authenticity than the traditional line drawings which was reassuring to collectors and dealers. This publication was not for sale.