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.

Comments - Handsome portrait of the beauty Yaoya Oshichi, the sixteen-year-old daughter of a greengrocer who sought refuge in a temple after a fire. While there, she fell in love with a monk, and in order to see him again, she set a fire that ended up destroying a large part of Edo. This true story became the basis for many kabuki plays. Here, she adjusts her obi, tugging on the ends of the bow behind her back. She wears an intricately patterned kimono with a border of ducks swimming on flowing streams. Her obi features a charming motif of rabbits and flowers. A purse wrapped in tissues is tucked in her obi, and her hair is arranged with a large comb and several hairpins. A kettle sits on the floor nearby, and the title cartouche takes the form of an ornate lantern. An attractive beauty subject, seldom seen in reprint.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 15 3/4" x 10 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight creasing, a few small spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall.