Woodblock Print Artisans, 1857 - Fantastic scene of beauties making woodblock prints from a series depicting the four classes of Japanese society (in order from top to bottom, samurai, farmer, artisan, and merchant). The process begins at upper right, with a beauty using a knife to carve the key block on a piece of wood to which a hanshita or preparatory drawing has been pasted. Below her, another woman sharpens knives on a whetstone. At top center right, a beauty carves a block using a chisel and mallet, wood shavings covering the floor nearby. At bottom center, a beauty uses a wide brush dipped in water to dampen the paper before printing, brushing with one hand as she takes a sheet of paper from a stack at right. At lower left, the woman printing has paused for a break, a pipe in hand. A carved block rests on the table beside her, with a baren and dishes of pigment at hand. Shelves above hold a variety of pigments in bowls, with an assortment of brushes hanging from pegs. At top center left, a woman hangs up the printed sheets to dry before the next color will be printed. An incredible design depicting the complex stages involved in producing a woodblock print, with wonderful design in the tools and setting. Includes embossing on the edges of the stacks of paper. This is a rare and desirable subject, and a great choice for a collector interested in the printing process.

A Rare Item for the Serious Collector - This triptych is one of the iconic images in the woodblock print world. It is highly sought after by dealers and collectors. There are a couple of major Japanese dealers who display this piece in their galleries but firmly note "it is not for sale". It is considered one of the great images because of the extremely rare illustration of the woodblock print process itself.

If you are looking for an important item for your collection, this is a great choice. Bill notes that the last time he saw this sell among a group of dealers the triptych sold for $10,000 and will be resold at a much higher price. It is the only time we have had the design and likely the only time we ever will.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 29 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Some small holes and minor thinning repaired. A vertical crease near the right edge of each panel, now flattened as shown, see photos. Slight toning, soiling, and rubbing, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.