6 mm Watanabe Reprint - This beautiful woodblock was published by the Watanabe Company and bears the important Watanabe round 6 mm seal. These old Watanabe prints are some of the finest woodblock reprints ever done. Watanabe began using the 6 mm seal after World War II ended, and it was in use from 1946 to 1957. These terrific Watanabe reprints are a wonderful way to collect a masterwork from the Edo era at an affordable price.

Comments - Charming scene from the legend of Takasago. The elderly couple Jo and Uba, who are the spirits of the paired pine trees, Takasago and Suminoe, are shown here next to a large potted money tree. A symbol of longevity and marital harmony, the couple is usually shown using a broom and rake to sweep up pine needles, but here they are raking up the gold coins scattered across the shore, as a turtle with a mossy tail climbs up onto the beach, another symbol of long life. A red sun floods the sky with rays of light as lucky cranes fly at upper right. A terrific example of prints of subjects intended to usher in good luck for the New Year, attractively detailed and colored.

Artist - Kuniteru I (1808 - 1876)

Image Size - 14 1/2" x 9 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Slight creasing. Please see photos for details. Good overall.