Takamizawa Reprints - Handsome reprint by the venerable Takamizawa publisher. Takamizawa was known as one of the finest reprint publishers of the 20th century, and produced some of the highest quality ukiyo-e woodblock reprints of all time. A great opportunity to acquire a fine reprint of a classic ukiyo-e design.

Naniwaya Okita - Beautiful portrait showing the young waitress Okita serving a cup of tea at the Naniwaya teahouse, located beside the Zuijin Gate at Asakusa Temple. Lovely soft colors, with fine line work in the hairstyle and intricate scrolling pattern of the black obi. A classic Utamaro subject with a subtle, distressed mica background and metallic gold flecks in the title cartouche. A fine Takamizawa reprint with publisher's seal on reverse.

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 - Utamaro (1750 - 1806)

Image Size - 15 3/4" x 10 3/8" + margins as shown

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