Comments - Lovely portrait of the courtesan Yosooi of the Matsuba smiling happily as she looks over her shoulder. She wears a striking black outer robe patterned with lacquer boxes and what appear to be three-dimensional tasseled cords, a slender pipe extending from one sleeve, over a red cherry blossom print kimono. Her hair is pulled back into a large sleek bun adorned with hairpins and a translucent comb. A beautiful design and a great choice for 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 - Toyokuni I (1769 - 1825)

Image Size - 15" x 9 3/4" + margins as shown

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