Series; Portraits of the Seven Komachi in Fashionable Disguise
Visiting Komachi - Fantastic Toyokuni print showing two beauties out for a stroll on a summer evening. The title is a reference to one of the seven famous episodes in the life of the Heian era poet Ono no Komachi. One carries a glowing paper lantern which casts a shaft of warm light upwards, illuminating their faces. Beautiful soft shading and excellent detail. A lovely Edo era subject.
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 I (1769 - 1825)
Image Size - 15" x 9 7/8" + margins as shown
Condition - This print with excellent color and detail, as shown. Please see photos for details.