Comments - A wonderful Utamaro print of a young beauty smiling as she reaches into an insect cage used to hold fireflies captive in the summertime. Her hair is piled high on her head with a comb and ornaments, and her paulownia patterned summer kimono slips off her shoulder seductively. Beautiful print with lovely color and detail. A very rare piece to find in a reprint and an excellent Utamaro subject. A great choice for a collector.

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 - 15 1/8" x 9 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - Excellent overall with no issues to report.