I do so do love contemporary book inscriptions, and our 362 year old owner Hannah here, really did have fine taste!
Binding reveal tomorrow 👀
Haven't really bought too much the last few weeks, so today is a change in pace. 20 original Papal Bulls from the 16th to 18th century, and 10 with original bulla (lead seals) and cords.
Now to wait on export licenses!
Bibles! I've been getting constant requests for more, on top of religious texts in general, and next list, you're getting a sweet pile!
From the 16th to 19th century, there'll be a nice spread of material, with lots of English Bibles to boot!
"Taking cataloging breaks is important for the body and mind. Even if you're taking a break there, you've got other tasks to do"
REEEEEEEEEEE I WANNA CATALOG NEW BOOKS I WANNA CATALOG NOW.
Fun fact, I already have enough material for a new Bible and Theology list!
And now, something totally different.
Here's an 18th century copy of Monk Ikkyu’s Gaikotsu, or Skeletons, a rather interesting mixture of poetry and prose, kinda like a Japanese Dance of Death.
1500 USD and its yours.
Message or email to purchase!
Oh lovely! It heartens me to see traditional crafts continue to flourish, and I follow many a modern day illuminator to see new creations as well.
There's so much to pick from! There's just so much which is visually and aesthetically pleasing. It's been as exciting to peruse as any of the manuscripts which come into my office!
I don't post about my hobbies often but I am SO HYPED to finally get Trench Crusade in the mail. Been waiting over a year for this.
We go back to your regularly scheduled bookselling after this.
Book of Hours deal of the day, Circa 1500-1525!
72 leaf fragment printed on vellum with 5 metalcuts, 10 illuminated borders, lots of additional initials and line fillers, and even a few possible palimpsest pages?
3000 USD and its yours. Message or email to claim!
I do believe I responded last time, but you can subscribe to my newsletter st thatguywiththebooks.com
With less than a week to catalog launch, here's a peek at just a few of the original Japanese artist sketchbooks ill be offering for sale!
From beautiful landscapes to mythical creatures, various animals and more, each one is delightfully unique in its own way.
It's been a lil while now, but the KW Rare, Antiquarian, and Vintage Books, and Ephemera Society is back for another meeting in less than two weeks!
If you've ever wanted to talk or learn more about Rare Books, Early Art, Manuscripts, and everything else, this is the place!
Alright. Got the final catalog draft coming along. It's definitely going to be a nice visual treat to say the least.
Can I keep it under 500 pages though at the finish line? I reaaaally hope so.
It may not be a Hokusai, but this silk painting album showcasing Mount Fuji by Nomura Bunkyo is a real showstopper up close! That attention to detail is just stunning.
Less than two weeks to catalog launch, genuinely can't believe its almost launch day.
Tekagami. A "mirror of hands", a collection of calligraphy fragments of poetry, sutras, letters, and more.
This example has 7th to 18th century examples, with some mine blowing attributions.
Just a couple weeks to go til the catalog launch!
A lot of people have asked me if I'll have deals on medieval or sutra material in the catalog.
Well, one deal ill definitely have is this collection of printed sutra leaves from the 11th to 16th century. Perfect for any diehard early printing collector, or institutions looking for teaching examples
You'd think that setting up over 400 listings in under a week is just agony, but the monotony gets broken up when listing stuff like a 17th century illuminated buddhist manuscript attributed to an Imperial Prince!
Did I also mention it's made of silk?
Oh, to be a medieval scholar playing Sugoroku with a demon, and having your beloved turn into a puddle of water.
This Edo Period manuscript of the Haseo Zoshi is a rare sight which you'll see more of soon!
I keep telling myself in this job, "always expect the unexpected!"
And what do I see in this artist sketchbook, but a dang Federico Joni binding that they saw at a Japanese Cultural Property exhibit??
I guess one European binding technically crept its way into this catalog....
460 new items to list on the website and finish formatting catalog.
Over 8000 photos taken.
One month crunch time.
Why do I do this to myself.
At a glance, this Edo-Meiji Period manuscript may look like a lovely sketchbook, but there's more to it!
Look closer at every outfit, and you'll see that every vestement, every fitting has been produced using actual kimono fabrics and brocade!!
Never in my life did I think I'd have to professionally write ''Over Ten Meters of Farting Nobles and Dick Measuring Paintings"
It seems that I have bizarrely uncanny skill for finding scarce and rare East Asian materials, even more than my European finds!
Here's a rather beautifully made and rare, unfinished, Late Edo emakimono handscroll of the Tale of Great Minister Ban.
Earlier in October, I told myself the East Asian Catalog needed one more item to be truly complete.
Three months later, here we are.
Hyakunanto Darani, Circa 764-770. The oldest, traceable printed text in the world.
I'm truly happy to see this final arrival.
When it comes to books and manuscripts, there's more to an object than just the contents inside, and this sutra cover doesn't shy away from that notion.
Illuminated in gold and silver inks, its a stunning piece on its own, before we delve beneath...
The items I picked out represent those that I find truly striking, but there is so, so much more to come in a few weeks.
Until then, A Happy New Year to all, and as always, more to come.
2/2
2025. What a year its been for the shop.
I think about my past accomplishments, but more than ever, I'm fixated on what comes in 2026.
January will mark 12 months since starting the East Asian Catalog. 12 months of acquiring material. A passion project that's now my next magnum opus.
1/2
Trying to stave off the intrusive thoughts telling me to buy more books. Enjoy this newly arrived breviary from the 15th century in the meantime.
I like incunables. I like contemporary bindings. I like metal furniture.
And this bad boy hits all three of those.
Still working on the main catalog. Just appreciating a new arrivals this week.
