Comments - Beautiful portrait of a courtesan arranging flowers in a wooden container hanging by a chain. She carefully adds the blossoming stems to the vase, absorbed in her work. Her long hair flows loosely over her shoulders, pulled back from her face with a comb and several hairpins. She wears several layers of kimono, tied with a blue and white, seashell print tie-dyed obi. A lovely design rarely seen in reprint, the soft color palette enhanced with silver mica in the 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 - Eisui (active circa 1790 - 1823)

Image Size - 14 3/4" x 9 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. A small spot. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall.