A Thousand Species of Shells, by Yoichiro Hirase--Japanese Woodblock Prints

This week we researched and listed a unique and delightful book of hand-colored Japanese woodblock prints:

A Thousand Species of Shells - Kai Chigusa by Yoichiro Hirase 

(4 Volumes of Japanese Woodblock Prints of Seashells)

Created by a collector, dealer and scholar of Malacology--Hirase Yoichiro (1859-1925)--to fill an dearth of Japanese books on seashells, these four volumes each contain 100 hand-colored illustrations of seashells. According to the preface, his objective was to create a reference that could be used by artists as well as scientists.

Each volume contains twenty 2-page traditional Japanese prints, featuring 100 images of Japanese shells. This rare, complete set is bound in a traditional Japanese accordion fold style, with solid boards on top and bottom, opening from left-to-right with Japanese and Latin text.

From Wikipedia: "Woodblock printing in Japan is a technique...widely adopted in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). Although similar to woodcut in Western printmaking in some regards, the moku-hanga technique differs in that it uses water-based inks—as opposed to western woodcut, which often uses oil-based inks. The Japanese water-based inks provide a wide range of vivid colors, glazes, and transparency."

First Post: An Introduction to Panoply Books

A mini history and some background for our store and online presence.

From a handful of annual book shows to a store front in Lambertville, NJ, Panoply Books continues to adapt and change and grow. Our unique collection is carefully curated by the owner Roland Boehm. It has evolved into an eclectic book boutique and gallery that encompasses more than one store front.

Our inventory includes a vast array of books, paintings, prints, unusual objects d'art, and a constantly growing collection of LPs (varied, but with a strong leaning toward jazz and blues). There is a focus on the best of used books, LPs, textiles and art that are quality, scarce, out-of-print, unusual, different, offbeat, and beautiful.

Over the last 4 years we've worked to establish a bit of an online presence, gradually building a website, social media presence, and an emerging eCommerce business. Our brick-and-mortar store has hosted a long term series of poetry events as well as the summer music series, tarot readings. and a handful of photo and film shoots.

In 2016, our storefront is looking great with fresh inventory arriving every day. We add to our website regularly, dabble in social media, and regularly sell books online through Abe Books, eBay, direct contacts, and our website.

Each item in our store has been carefully selected and researched, to offer the best books, music and art at a fair and reasonable price. Each customer and sale is given individual attention for a personal shopping experience.

We invite you to visit our store and enjoy the diverse, unique selection of books, art, vinyl and rare finds.