The story of "Gohachi" began in 1911, founded in Tokyo by Kinzaburo Yamauchi as a sanctuary for fine arts and folk crafts. Later inherited by his son, Shutaro, the establishment developed a profound bond with the "Mingei (Folk Crafts) Movement" led by Soetsu Yanagi. The "Collection" series was born from a desire to document and celebrate "forgotten beauties"—local folk toys, Otsu-e paintings, and stencil-dyed prints that whispered the essence of Japanese heritage.
At the heart of Gohachi Shobo was the legendary Keisuke Serizawa. From the shop's iconic logo to the exquisite book designs and the renowned Katazome Rinpyo-shu (stencil-dyed matchbox labels), his artistic touch defined the brand. The series also flourished under the spiritual guidance of Soetsu Yanagi, who contributed essays and artifacts, while the powerful woodblock prints of Shiko Munakata infused the pages with a striking visual energy.
Transcending the realm of mass production, Gohachi Shobo’s publications are celebrations of "handmade texture." Frequently utilizing Washi paper, hand-coloring, and traditional stencil-dyeing—sometimes even featuring tipped-in original matchstick labels or textile swatches—each volume is a singular work of art.
These eight volumes, published between 1982 and 1984 in limited editions of 1,300, represent the pinnacle of the "Gallery Gohachi" era. They serve as a bridge connecting a half-century of Mingei philosophy to the final artistic brilliance of Keisuke Serizawa, who passed away in 1984. To hold these books is to touch the final, glowing embers of a legendary collaboration between a master artisan and a visionary publisher.
NO. 83、85、86、87、88、89、90、92
Publisher Gohachi Shobo
Publish 1982-1984
Size 150x177mm
