Five Shades of Ink in the Northern Quarter - Utamaro's five print series "Five Shades of Ink in the Northern Quarter," here titled "Five Types of Contemporary Women in the Yoshiwara," depicts five ranks of prostitutes in the pleasure district, from the "Oiran" or highest ranking courtesan to the lowly "Gun Prostitute." An unusual contrast to Utamaro's typical elegant beauties, the women are portrayed sensitively, with expressive faces.
This Complete Adachi Publisher Reprint Set - Published by the famous Adachi Institute of Woodblock Prints in Tokyo, this set comprises five woodblock reprints in windowed viewing folders that are housed in an outer paper folder. Each print is mounted at two points on the left edge to the viewing folder. A leaflet with a brief description in English of each design accompanies the set. This Utamaro series is rarely seen in reprint, and we've never come across this complete set before. A nice opportunity to acquire a classic series of Utamaro's beauty designs.
Artist - Utamaro (1750 - 1806)
Size - Each image 8 1/4" x 6" + margins as shown; viewing folder 11 7/8" x 8 7/8"; overall size 12 1/8" x 9 1/4"
Condition - Prints with excellent color and detail as shown. One print has a spot, a couple have light creases. Outer folder has tear at edge of cover. Please see photos for details. Generally in good condition overall.
Complete Set
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