The Weeks book cover now has the botanical illustration of Shihai Sumire, published by botanist Dr. Tomitaro Makino in 1891. The Shihai Sumire, drawn with precise lines throughout, was depicted in the 67th illustration of the 11th collection of the first volume of “Nippon Shokubutsu-shi Zu-hen.”
The purple flower that blooms in the spring in Tosa, Dr. Makino’s birthplace, got its name—Shihai Sumire, “purple-backed violet” in Japanese—from the color of the underside of the leaves. The petals, stems, leaves, roots, stamens, and pistils are carefully observed and depicted, and each flower part is well-balanced.
The rough cloth cover is inspired from the image of a canvas. The botanical illustrations, born from a keen eye for observation, knowledge, and experience, make this techo an ideal companion for your daily life.
The illustrations were drawn about 130 years ago during the Meiji Era, using loupes and microscopes for detailed observation and creating drawings that show the structures of various parts. Using a Makie painting brush with a bundle of mouse hairs, even the smallest details of leaves and fruits are expressed clearly through shading.
The notation “re-mi-su-i-ha-shi” spelled in hiragana below the stunning botanical illustration reflects the writing style of the Meiji Era, written from right to left, instead of left to right.
We also have a Hobonichi Pencil Board fitted for the Weeks size designed with a botanical illustration drawn by Dr. Tomitaro Makino. This is a pencil board with botanical illustrations of a global thistle, cornflower, chamomile, and calendula printed on it.
The cover has been constructed as a light hardcover book with some give to it so it still bends.
