Comments - Terrific winter scene of a group gathered around a well at New Year's. The wooden well is decorated with sacred shimenawa ropes, a symbol of purification. A man with a scarf tied about his head lowers a pole into the water, smiling over his shoulder as he watches the children at left. A young girl carries a decorative paddle for a game similar to badminton that is traditionally played at the New Year, and she has just thrown a snowball at the boy at left, who cringes as it hits his face. A beauty with a shovel behind him holds her hands to her lips to conceal her surprise, while another boy walks on stilts behind them. A charming scene framed by a blossoming plum tree. An attractive and unusual aizuri-e design, printed primarily in blue ink.

Woodblock reprints - In the 20th century, artists and publishers collaborated to recreate famous woodblock prints for interested Japanese collectors and Westerners looking for rare designs. New blocks were made, and the prints were painstakingly printed by artisan printers in the same method as the 19th century originals - one block for each color. Woodblock reprints were an opportunity to collect and enjoy a famous design at a small fraction of the price of an original. They still are today.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 15 1/8" x 29 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Please see photos for details.