Publisher - Adachi from a rare series of Edo masterwork designs. Adachi publisher seal in margin or on reverse.
Adachi was one of the most respected publishers of the 20th century. Their woodblocks were printed to the highest standards with excellent color and fine detail. Founded in 1925, Adachi also chose interesting and varied subjects for their prints and was the only publisher of many famous old ukiyo-e images.
Comments - A fantastic Kiyohiro portrait of the actor Nakamura Tomijuro as a beautiful dancer in the popular kabuki play "Musume Dojo." She wears a beautiful kimono decorated with an iris pattern, the black obi featuring long-tailed roosters. She dances about under a blossoming cherry branch with a large temple bell attached, gracefully waving peony blossoms. A terrific early school print with soft color and fine detail.
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 - Kiyohiro (active 1737 - 1776)
Image Size - 17 1/8" x 11 1/2" + margins as shown
Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.