Thirty-two Fashionable Physiognomies - Attractive half-length portrait from Kunichika's early beauty series "Thirty-two Fashionable Physiognomies." The number thirty-two in the title is a playful reference to the thirty-two notable features of Buddha. Each design shows a contemporary beauty in a scene from daily life, reading, enjoying a boat ride, or relaxing. These images are beautifully detailed with extremely fine line work in the hair and soft bokashi shading in the background. Some feature deluxe publishing techniques such as embossing or burnishing. A rarely seen Kunichika bijin series from early in his career.

Beauty Praying - Interesting portrait of a beauty pausing to pray, her kimono sleeves pressed together before her and her head bowed, an umbrella tucked beneath her arm. She wears a blue striped kimono over a red under robe, tied with a blue-violet floral obi and narrow red tie-dyed sash. Her hair is pulled back into a knot tied with a white ribbon and adorned with a green lacquer comb and a hairpin with a tiny bat. A knotted sash attached to a bell hangs at left. Beautifully detailed with exceptionally fine line work in the hair, embossing in the white ribbon, and bokashi shading in the background.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 9 1/8" + left margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Horizontal center fold. Slight separation at ends of fold, tiny loss at top left corner, repaired. Slight soiling, faint staining. Please see photos for details.