Two Beauties and a Looking Glass

by Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

Current Status

Two Beauties and a Looking Glass by Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

Hokusai (1760 - 1849) Japanese Woodblock Reprint
Two Beauties and a Looking Glass

Hokusai Anthology of Famous Pictures by Takamizawa - In the mid-1950s, the renowned Takamizawa Publisher released a reprint series of 49 of Hokusai prints. The series focused on Hokusai’s charming, atypical designs that were less commonly seen. From nature scenes and beauties to outstanding selections from Hokusai's "100 Views of Mt. Fuji" series, these expertly carved and printed designs beautifully capture the details of the Edo era originals. Printed with the attention to detail and exquisite quality of the Takamizawa Publisher, this rare reprint series is a collector’s delight.

Comments - Terrific Hokusai design of two young beauties fascinated by a telescope, an intriguing Western import. One woman peers through the end of the instrument as her companion watches her closely. A charming design with attractive color, beautifully detailed with a shimmering pink 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 - Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

Image Size - 10 5/8" x 7 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight paper remnant on reverse at left center edge from original publisher mounting. Small spot in margin. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Two Beauties and a Looking Glass by Hokusai (1760 - 1849)
Two Beauties and a Looking Glass by Hokusai (1760 - 1849)