Beauties with Books - Charming portrait of two beauties with books from a series pairing women with seven episodes from the life of the famous poet and great beauty Ono no Komachi. Here, one beauty looks up from her open book as he companion hands her another over her shoulder. A book and cherry blossoms frame the title cartouche at upper right. The scene corresponds to the story of Ono no Komachi clearing her name. On the night before a poetry contest, one of Komachi's rivals heard her reciting her poem, and hoping to discredit her, copied the verse into a book to accuse her of plagiarism. Komachi discovered the trick, and washed away the fresh ink. A classic Edo era beauty design.

Artist - Eizan (1787 - 1867)

Image Size - 14 3/4" x 9 7/8"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Backed with paper. Stitching holes at side, small losses at edges, a few wormholes, repaired. Slight toning, soiling, and rubbing, a few creases, stain at edge. Please see photos for details.