Hobonichi Unsodo: Bijutsukai (Wild Rabbits)- A5

Published during the Meiji era, Bijutsukai and Shin Bijutsukai are treasured collections featuring exquisite craft designs by various pattern designers, Japanese-style painters, and talented artisans whose names may have been lost to time. These beautifully crafted books showcase the art of multicolor woodblock printing and were published by Unsodo, a distinguished Kyoto-based art publisher and the only house in Japan dedicated to producing hand-printed woodblock books.

For the cover, we’ve selected a design from Bijutsukai in a beautiful yellow color that catches the eye beautifully.

The Cousin size Bijutsukai (Wild Rabbits) features rabbits nestled in a grassy meadow, facing this way and that, as if playing a gentle game of hide-and-seek. Rabbits have been traditionally cherished as symbols of longevity and prosperity, representing the flourishing of future generations. The white and black rabbits stand out beautifully against the rich colors of yellow, orange, and verdant green.

The back pocket features a cut with a design in a subtly different shade of yellow. Vertical stripes reminiscent of wood grain intertwine with Kasuri splashed patterns, while leaves and petals seem to dance and flutter across the surface. This delightful pairing, where classical motifs blend seamlessly with imaginative design, captures the distinctive charm that makes Bijutsukaiso wonderfully unique.

The “butterfly-stopper” pen holders and bookmark charms are colored to echo the plants and flowers featured in each design. The inner cover is a calming, soft beige.