Comments - Lovely triptych depicting famous geisha of the Yoshiwara. The left panel features Ohane and Ofuku, the seated woman adjusting the strings of a small hand drum in her lap, another instrument on the floor nearby. The standing beauty wears a soft gray kimono bordered with white cherry blossoms, tied with a red and yellow patterned obi. The black lacquer shamisen case on the floor behind features delicate embossing to indicate the edges of the box. The woman in the center holds a fan and wears an outer kimono delicately striped in purple and pink, a black lacquer shamisen case resting on the floor nearby. At right, the tall elegant courtesan Itsutomi holds a plectrum or pick for playing the shamisen, an instrument on the floor at her feet. Beautifully drawn with graceful flowing lines and a shimmering mica background.

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 - Eishi (1756 - 1829)

Image Size - 15 7/8" x 31 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Paper remnants on reverse at top corners from previous mounting. Slight toning, a few creases at edges and small spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall.