Abstract

Highly praised by author Hiroshi Aramata! This powerful work explores the hidden masterpieces of the genius natural history painter Ito Kumataro and traces his mysterious life! Ito Kumataro left behind a large number of natural history illustrations of fish in America aboard the Albatross. This must-read book for goldfish enthusiasts traces the artistic goldfish illustrations he left behind and sheds light on the still-unsolved history of Meiji natural history. In the past, illustrated guides explained species not with photographs but with miniature drawings (natural history illustrations) drawn by artists. This story unravels the mysterious life of Ito Kumataro, a natural history painter active between Japan and the United States from the late Meiji period to the early Showa period. And then there's the newly discovered "fish illustration." Could these 31 exquisite natural history illustrations (mainly featuring goldfish), meticulously observed down to the smallest detail, have been the work of Kumataro?

Author’s Information

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