Shirokiya Okoma and Obana Saizaburo

by Utamaro (1750 - 1806)

Current Status

Shirokiya Okoma and Obana Saizaburo by Utamaro (1750 - 1806)

Utamaro (1750 - 1806) Japanese Woodblock Reprint
Shirokiya Okoma and Obana Saizaburo

Series; True Feelings Compared: The Founts of Love

Shirokiya Okoma and Obana Saizaburo - Poignant scene of the young lovers Okama and Obana Saizaburo at their parting. Okama, whose parents run a business called Shirokiya, is being forced to return to her home. Obana Saizaburo has become a hairdresser, as indicated by the combs on the lacquer stand at right. Utamaro beautifully captures the distress of the young beauty, who wipes a tear from her eye, and the concern of the young man as he looks down at her with painful concern. A fantastic Utamaro subject.

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 5/8" x 9 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

Shirokiya Okoma and Obana Saizaburo by Utamaro (1750 - 1806)
Shirokiya Okoma and Obana Saizaburo by Utamaro (1750 - 1806)