Comments - Beautiful old reprint of Utamaro's famous awabi divers triptych, one of the great masterworks of ukiyo-e. The women are resting along the shore after diving for awabi or abalone. In the center, a beauty unselfconsciously combs her wet hair as her little boy suckles at her breast. At right, a young diver wrings the water from her red skirt, her wet hair flowing loose over her shoulders and a knife caught between her teeth. A beauty kneels beside her next to a basket full of abalone, holding a shell out in one hand. A lovely beauty design with graceful line work and fine bokashi shading. Published by Takamizawa.

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 - Utamaro (1750 - 1806)

Image Size - 15" x 30 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight toning. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.