Survival Manual 3 (Hand-Copied 1833 “Biko somoku zu”)

2019

《備荒草木図》 Biko somoku zu (Famine Preparation Botanical Drawings) was published in 1833, in response to a series of large famines in Edo Japan. Consisting of 104 drawings of edible plants, it was the first book of this kind in Japan. I encountered this book in Kyoto in spring 2019 and hand-copied it in autumn and winter.

Survival Manual 3 (Hand-Copied 1833 “Biko somoku zu”), 2019.​ Ink on paper, 110 sheets, 18.4 x 13 cm each
Survival Manual 3 (Hand-Copied 1833 “Biko somoku zu”), 2019.​ Ink on paper, 110 sheets, 18.4 x 13 cm each
Survival Manual 3 (Hand-Copied 1833 “Biko somoku zu”), 2019.​ Ink on paper, 110 sheets, 18.4 x 13 cm each
Survival Manual 3 (Hand-Copied 1833 “Biko somoku zu”), 2019.​ Ink on paper, 110 sheets, 18.4 x 13 cm each
Survival Manual 3 (Hand-Copied 1833 “Biko somoku zu”), 2019.​ Ink on paper, 110 sheets, 18.4 x 13 cm each