Takamizawa's Taisho era Reprints - With the increase in Western visitors to Japan in the first quarter of the 20th century and the interest in the Edo era woodblock print tradition, some of the best publishing houses began to release high quality reprints of the most famous ukiyo-e designs. Founded in 1911, the Takamizawa Publisher of Tokyo produced some of the highest quality ukiyo-e woodblock reprints of all time. Drawing on the traditions and methods of the Edo era, the company created reprints with the utmost care and great attention to detail, masterfully reproducing color, line work, and even wood grain detail in some cases. 

This print was published during the Taisho era (1911 - 1925), and features a Takamizawa seal on the reverse. Takamizawa's Taisho era prints are considered to be some of the finest reprints ever done. Today, these lovely old prints are sought after by collectors. This is a fantastic early release by Takamizawa and a great choice for a collector interested in classic ukiyo-e images.

Comments - Handsome kabuki scene from the famous tale of the Soga Brothers. The impetuous younger brother, Soga Goro, is shown struggling with a beauty who has grabbed hold of the hilt of his sword. He frowns down at her, throwing his hand out to the side as she tries to restrain him. He wears a black kimono patterned with his trademark butterflies over a red under robe. Musicians and chanters appear on a platform behind the actors, the view framed by a blossoming cherry tree at right. An interesting subject rarely found in reprint.

Artist - Kiyonaga (1752 - 1815)

Image Size - 9 3/8" x 14 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Some slight toning. Please see photos for details. Good overall.