Takamizawa's Taisho era Reprints - With the increase in Western visitors to Japan in the first quarter of the 20th century and the interest in the Edo era woodblock print tradition, some of the best publishing houses began to release high quality reprints of the most famous ukiyo-e designs. Founded in 1911, the Takamizawa Publisher of Tokyo produced some of the highest quality ukiyo-e woodblock reprints of all time. Drawing on the traditions and methods of the Edo era, the company created reprints with the utmost care and great attention to detail, masterfully reproducing color, line work, and even wood grain detail in some cases. 

This print was published during the Taisho era (1911 - 1925), and features a Takamizawa seal on the reverse. Takamizawa's Taisho era prints are considered to be some of the finest reprints ever done. Today, these lovely old prints are sought after by collectors. This is a fantastic early release by Takamizawa and a great choice for a collector interested in classic ukiyo-e images.

Beauty Preparing for Bed - Charming image of a beauty preparing to retire for the evening, lighting a pipe from a lamp draped with a blue cloth. Her kimono is loosely wrapped about her, and she holds folded tissues in her other hand. The folding screen at right features an intricate geometric pattern in black and gray. An attractive design, nicely detailed.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 15 3/8" x 10"

Condition - This print excellent color and detail as shown. Slight toning, a few creases and small marks. Please see photos for details. Good overall.