Comments - Attractive diptych of beauties at a mansion in a parody of the "Wakana no Jo" chapter of the famous "Tale of Genji." In the chapter, the young nobleman Kashiwagi is playing a game of football in Genji's palace courtyard. Genji's wife, the Third Princess, is supposed to stay hidden, but when her cat wanders onto the verandah, she briefly steps out to pick it up. Kashiwagi sees her, and immediately falls in love. Here, a beauty sits on the porch at lower right with a cat on her lap, petting the animal. At left, a woman carries a round football on a stand as she walks through the garden, the beauty behind her holding a box under her arm. Beautifully drawn with delicate line work and wonderful detail in the architectural setting. A lovely Edo era subject, rarely seen in reprint.

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 - Shuncho (active circa 1780 - 1795)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 18 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels. Please see photos for details. Good overall