Tachihara Inuki  - This reprint is the work of the Japanese woodblock print artist Tachihara Inuki, who dedicated himself to carrying on the traditional methods and materials of ukiyo-e. Self-taught, he studied the original paper, pigments, and printing methods used by Edo era masters, using them to produce his own original works as well as a limited number of reprints of famous ukiyo-e designs, including a small number of masterwork designs by Kuniyoshi and other artists. His woodblocks are exquisite, with exceptionally fine carving and printing. In 1995, the artist changed his name from Katsuhara Shinya to Tachihari Inuki. Born in 1951, Tachihara died of a sudden illness on July 31, 2015, at the age of 64. We acquired this extremely rare reprint directly from the estate of the printer. Tachihara was the subject of a 2015 retrospective exhibition at the Hagi Uragami Museum in Yamaguchi Prefecture, recognizing his incredible skill and artistry and honoring his commitment to carrying on this classic Japanese art form.

Shin Yoshiwara - Terrific landscape design by Kuniyoshi of men traveling along the road in the Shin Yoshiwara licensed quarter. Two porters carry a palanquin past two sleeping dogs as a few other fellows stop to chat. A full moon is surrounded by a luminous glow, lighting up the evening sky and casting shadows of the figures below. A fantastic image with beautiful color and soft shading.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 9 3/4" x 13 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. A few very small tears at edges in margin, repaired. Slight toning, a few small spots. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.