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.

The Courtesan Takigawa of the Ogiya House - Lovely okubi-e or large head portrait of the courtesan Takigawa of the Ogiya House in the Yoshiwara in Edo. The Ogiya boasted two beautiful celebrated courtesans, Hanaogi and Takigawa, who competed with each other. Here, the young Takigawa looks down with a sweet smile as she playfully bends a slender green leaf of the irises she holds in her other hand. A classic Edo era beauty design, rarely seen in reprint.

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 - Eisui (active circa 1790 - 1823)

Image Size - 15 3/8" x 10 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - Excellent overall with no issues to report.