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.

The Ninth Month - Lovely Kiyonaga design of an elegant courtesan watching the moon through the wooden grid of a window in September, the ninth month of the year. She looks rather wistfully out at the night, leaning against the window frame, her long kimono trailing onto the floor around her. The fires of fishing boats glow red in the distance against the dark river. Two other beauties relax on the floor before her, one reading a long letter, following the words with her fingertip. A beautiful subject with soft coloring, seldom seen in reprint.

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 - Kiyonaga (1752 - 1815)

Image Size - 15" x 9 7/8" + margins as shown

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