Takamizawa's Taisho Era Reprints - With the increase in Western visitors to Japan in the first quarter of the 20th century and the interest in the Edo era woodblock print tradition, some of the best publishing houses began to release high quality ukiyo-e of the most famous scenery and portrait prints from the Edo era. The Takamizawa Publisher, the finest reprint publisher of the era, published this beautiful print during the Taisho era (1911 - 1925). Drawing on the traditions and methods of the Edo era, the prints were produced with the original Edo era colors and printed on beautiful handmade paper. The prints were produced with the utmost care and great attention to detail, masterfully reproducing color, line work and even wood grain detail. Takamizawa's reprints were a fantastic achievement and were released to great acclaim. Some of the most popular subjects quickly became a scarce commodity. 

Takamizawa's Taisho prints are considered to be the finest reprints ever done. Today, these lovely old prints are valuable and highly sought after by collectors. A great choice for collectors interested in these classic images.

Young Woman Blowing a Poppin - Lovely reprint with excellent detail. A wonderful image of Utamaro's girl blowing a glass poppin, a type of noisemaker. Her beautiful kimono features an intricate pattern of rose and white checks covered with delicate blossoms. The background features shimmering mica emulating the original.

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 1/4" x 10 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall.