Tokyo, (circa 1881-1882). Two volumes (of three). Japanese stitched binding (24.8 x 16.5 cm). With 67 coloured woodblock prints and text in Japanese. Original stitched wrappers.

A very pleasing collection of Japanese birds, many of them waterfowl. "This was Kono Bairei's first kacho, for in spite of the title it may be so classified, since many of the pictures emphasize the plants as much as the birds. The illustrations in these volumes are in black (with dilutions to grey), orange-brown (with dilutions), and vaguely perceptible tinting of the grays with green or blue. Being printed from the same block... the effects are extremely life-like and pleasing" (Barlett and Shohara). Complete copies would comprise three volumes, with 100 plates. Some 20 plates are double-paged. In fine condition. OCLC reports a complete set in the New York City Metropolitan Museum of Art only. Barlett and Shohara, Japanese Botany, p. 529. Not in any western bird bibliography.