Smiling Beauty - Lovely portrait of a beauty in the very unusual horizontal oban format. She smiles over her shoulder, tiny white teeth visible between her open lips, as she pulls the blue and white tie-dyed collar of her under robe closer. Her hair is piled high, held in place with a large comb and several hairpins. Text at left is accompanied by a small hand mirror purple tassels. A very attractive Utamaro subject with lively color.

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 - 14 3/8" x 10"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Some minor soiling. A crease. A couple holes, repaired. Please see photos for details. Good overall.