Comments - Beautiful reprint of Utamaro's famous awabi divers triptych, one of the great masterworks of ukiyo-e. The women are resting along the shore after diving for abalone. In the center, a young beauty unselfconsciously combs her wet hair as her little boy suckles at her breast. At right, a lovely young diver wrings the water from her red skirt, her wet hair flowing loose over her shoulders and a knife caught between her teeth. A beauty kneels beside her next to a basket full of abalone, holding a shell out in one hand. A lovely beauty design with graceful line work and soft shading in the gently undulating water. A terrific choice for display.

This presentation - We are pleased to offer this beautiful reprint by the Yuyudo Publisher, complete with a cloth-covered portfolio, windowed paper folder, and information sheet in Japanese as originally issued. In the early 20th century, the Yuyudo publishing house had already distinguished themselves as one of the finest publishers in Japan. They adhered to the same exacting standards of 19th century publishers while some of their publishing colleagues took shortcuts. In the 1950s, as interest Edo era woodblock prints was increasing, Yuyudo embarked upon a project to produce reprints by the great masters from the Golden Age of ukiyo-e. They used the finest woodblock printers and carvers, resulting in prints that are some of the highest quality reproductions ever made. The right panel bears a Yuyudo Publisher stamp in the margin. It is extremely rare to have the original folders for these designs, making them especially desirable to collectors. Don't miss this opportunity to acquire a classic Utamaro design in a beautifully presented format.

Artist - Utamaro (1750 - 1806)

Image Size - 15" x 29 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Each print is loose in the windowed folder and can be easily removed. Please see photos for details. Excellent condition overall.