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70

(38) 
Dec. 29/96.

Mr. Bunkio Maksuki
12 Labrel St., Salem, Mass.

My dear Matsuki:
Your good letter of Dec. 19 was received and should have had earlier reply but of the rush of things incident to Christmas Day.

From my point of view you are entirely right in your affection for the kakemono left by your father. Such are after all the greatest treasures and I sincerely hope that no accident will ever befall yours.

Since seeing you Shugio and his friend Mr. Yasuba have paid me a visit and gave me the latest news from Japan. I am also expecting soon to meet Mr. Ishida, to whom Mr. Sano has given a letter of introduction to me.

About when do you start for Japan? Don’t fail to come this way. You must see the three Sotatsu screens together. The one you let me have has a very remarkable influence upon the other two. It is deeper to fund and I think of earlier date and has had more handling. The result is a peculiar richness similar to my Eitoku screen, which you doubtless remember, and I am sure the three Sotatsu's [[?]] very much by being grouped together. The little Ritsure screen I find do close examination to be an example of realism, and while it does not appeal to my tastes as warmly as the Sotatsu’s, I am nevertheless delighted to have it as a contrast to my large panel, as it shows me another and more intricate side of his work.

I doubt not that your Christmas proved very pleasant and I hope the New Year will bring to you and yours increased happiness and prosperity. I remain,

Faithfully yours,
Charles L Freer

P.S.
Kindly send me bill for those [[?]] [[?]] [[?]] [[?]] [[?]] [[?]]

Transcription Notes:
pls use [[?]] and not [illegile] for words you cannot transcribe, pls read instructions, removed hard line feeds, removed [[signature]] this is not required, ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-09-17 19:09:15 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-09-17 23:11:27 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-09-18 07:13:34