Series; On the Road; Love Songs for the Thick-necked Shamisen, 1802 - A terrific group of original Utamaro prints from his series "On the Road: Love Songs for the Thick-necked Shamisen". Each print in this series features a pair of star-crossed lovers who committed double suicide. Based off true stories, the dramatized versions of the stories were particularly popular as Bunraku plays. Shunga prints were a natural avenue for illustrations of these famous lovers - already well-known figures in Japan due to the bunraku plays about them. The frontispiece of each of the three volumes of this series features young women with bunraku puppets.

Artist - Utamaro (1750 - 1806)

Image Size - 9 5/8" x 6 1/2"

Condition - With excellent linework and detail. Two separate panels. Toned as shown. Rubbing and soiling in subject. A number of wormholes and losses repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details.