Publisher - Adachi from a rare series of Edo masterwork designs. Adachi publisher seal in margin or on reverse.

Adachi was one of the most respected publishers of the 20th century. Their woodblocks were printed to the highest standards with excellent color and fine detail. Founded in 1925, Adachi also chose interesting and varied subjects for their prints and was the only publisher of many famous old ukiyo-e images.

Comments - Attractive full-length portrait of a beauty holding an inro (stacking container) with a netsuke toggle in the shaper of a gourd, watching as a miniature horse flies off with a love letter. The image is a parody of a Taoist legend of the magician Chokaro, who could conjure a pony from his gourd. She wears a soft golden yellow kimono patterned with orange colored blossoms, tied with a geometric print obi. Considered one of Masanobu's masterpieces, drawn with graceful, fluid line work.

Artist - Masanobu (active circa 1686 - 1764)

Image Size - 22 1/8" x 12 3/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Two panels, attached at the seams. Please note: folded by publisher for storage, will be shipped folded, could be flattened to frame. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.