Publisher - Adachi from a rare series of Edo masterwork designs. Adachi publisher seal in margin or on reverse.

Adachi was one of the most respected publishers of the 20th century. Their woodblocks were printed to the highest standards with excellent color and fine detail. Founded in 1925, Adachi also chose interesting and varied subjects for their prints and was the only publisher of many famous old ukiyo-e images.

Comments - Lovely image of a beauty and a young boy catching fireflies on a summer evening. The boy chases excitedly after the glowing insects, waving his fan at them, while the beauty looks over her shoulder with a slight smile. She carries an insect cage and a round fan, and wears a softly colored tied-dyed kimono. Beautifully detailed with a shimmering mica background and blossoming irises along the hillside. Without question, this is Choki’s masterpiece and one of the most evocative Japanese prints of all time. A beautiful reprint that would make a fantastic display.

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 - Choki (active circa 1785 - 1805)

Image Size - 14 7/8" x 9 3/4"

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