Comments - Classic Utamaro scene of two awabi or abalone divers at the shore. The beauty at left wrings the water from her red undergarment, her wet hair falling loosely over her shoulders, a knife caught between her teeth. Her companion kneels next to a basket full of abalone, holding a shell out in one hand. A lovely beauty design with graceful line work and soft bokashi shading in the water.

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

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