Pictures of Dances - Charming print from an 1899 series by Meiji artist Tsukioka Koun illustrating a variety of dances. These attractive designs feature colorful figures set against more subdued backgrounds, focusing attention on the characters while suggesting a setting. The title cartouche of each print has a different embossed pattern in the background. Beautifully drawn and printed with fine line work and detail, including soft bokashi shading. Some prints feature additional embossing in the subject or accents of mica or metallic pigment. A rarely seen series.

Shiokumi, 1899 - Lovely image of a beauty performing the dance of a shiokumi, a girl who collects saltwater for processing into salt. She is shown dancing along the shore, holding a three tiered umbrella over his shoulder as she gracefully strikes a pose. She wears a kimono with flowing sleeves, patterned with fishing nets stretched out to dry near the water, tied with a pink sash. A straw apron is fastened about her waist. A charming design with the waves of the water behind her rendered in embossing, and birds fluttering overhead. A beautiful portrait from a rarely seen series.

Artist - Tsukioka Koun (active circa 1900)

Image Size - 13" x 8 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Faint toning, slight soiling, a couple light creases. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.