Hour of the Dragon (8 am) - Two young beauties slip under heavy blankets at the end of a long night, a pipe and a cup by the bedside. The seated woman's kimono falls away from her chest in an alluring view. This is one of the most sought after designs of Utamaro's "Twelve Hours of the Yoshiwara" series.

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 3/4" x 9 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - Excellent overall with no issues to report.