Leipzig, Berlin, E. A. Seemann, 1899. Folio (42.0 x 27.5 cm). Title page, 2 pp. introduction; two loose sheets with Japanese text; 100 coloured prints with Japanese stencil designs. In original portfolio (43.0 x 28.4 x 2.2 cm) with red linen spine cover and orange, grained boards. Front board printed in black, with diapositive titles and spiderweb illustration.

A rare set of Japanese stencil designs, which are reminiscent of the then-popular Art Nouveau style. Artur Seemann edited similar, but smaller-sized collections, for instance of Japanese woodcuts, and Japanese architecture, but this edition is by far the most rare. The plates were lithographed at the Kunstanstalt H. F. Jütte in Leipzig. It was originally published by Seemann, also in Leipzig, but a printed label of the Stoll firm was pasted over his name, suggesting they bought the rights, or the stock. There are no other copies on the internet. Top flap of portfolio lacking; several plates with some marginal soiling and minimal fraying; the portfolio rather rubbed at edges. Otherwise a very good copy with alluring plates. Because the individual plates are quite attractive and easily sold when framed, complete copies are truly very rare. Schneider-Henn, Ornament und Dekoration, 223.