Quail and Skylark

by Utamaro (1750 - 1806)

Current Status

Quail and Skylark by Utamaro (1750 - 1806)

Utamaro (1750 - 1806) Japanese Woodblock Reprint
Quail and Skylark

Series; A Chorus of Birds

A Chorus of Birds - Originally published in 1790 by Utamaro, a Chorus of Birds (momo chidori) was one of three nature albums in a trilogy that included birds, shells and insects. Each subject depicted various birds in their natural environments and included kyoka, a short form of comic poetry, written above. These lovely reprints reproduce the serene, elegant beauty of the originals, matching them in color and detail. Take a look through these beautiful prints and pick out a few of your favorite designs from the series.

Yuyudo Publisher - In the early 20th century, the Yuyudo publishing house had already distinguished themselves as one of the finest publishers in Japan. They adhered to the same exacting standards of 19th century publishers while some of their publishing colleagues took shortcuts. In the 1950's, as interest Edo era woodblock prints was reigniting, Yuyudo embarked upon a project to produce reprints by the great masters from the Golden Age of Ukiyo-e. They hired the finest woodblock printers and carvers in the world for this endeavor. The resulting prints were some of the highest quality reproductions ever made. We are pleased to offer this beautiful reprint from the Yuyudo publisher in our auctions today.  Yuyudo prints are exceptionally well done and very finely printed. Each bears a Yuyudo Publisher stamp on the margin or reverse. Bid now on prints from this fantastic collection!

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 - 9" x 14 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - Excellent overall with no issues to report.

Quail and Skylark by Utamaro (1750 - 1806)
Quail and Skylark by Utamaro (1750 - 1806)