LA FONTAINE (Jean de). A selection of La Fontaine's fables illustrated by a group of Tokio's finest artists. Under the direction of P. Barboutau. Tokyo: Tsoukidji-Tokio printing house, 1894. - 2 volumes in one in-8, marbled half-calf, paper boards decorated with gilded embossed flowers covered with burgundy grooves, green leather with gilded title in a gilded bamboo frame on the first board, gilded head, first board of one of the covers preserved (period binding). Rochambeau, 1319. Famous edition printed in Tokyo for Flammarion and edited by Pierre Barboutau (1862-1916), featuring a selection of 28 fables by La Fontaine. In addition to the covers, it is illustrated with black vignettes and 28 superb double-page color engravings. These compositions are the work of five Japanese painters: Kyōsui Kawanabe (1868-1935) daughter of the famous painter Kyosai Kawanabe, Tomonobu Kanō (1843-1912) last great master of the Kanō family, Shûsui Okakura (1867-1950), Sadahiko Eda and Hanko Kajita (1870-1917). A copy of the current edition, nicely bound. Defects to the slipcase. Some rare foxing.