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.

Picture of the Upper Class - Fantastic print portrait by Utamaro from his "Women According to their Fashions" series. A lovely reprint of this Utamaro masterwork showing two beauties in a formal interior with a koto at their feet and a small insect cage used to capture fireflies. The fan of the standing woman printed with a fine embossed detail - lovely. Beautiful woodblock reprint, fine choice to 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 - Utamaro (1750 - 1806)

Image Size - 15 1/4" x 10 1/4" + margins as shown

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