Comments - Intriguing image of three beauties preparing to write, one mixing ink on an ink stone and another reaching her brush forward to dab it into the ink. They wear informal kimono, their robes loosely tied and falling open at the chest. A scroll sits on the table at left, and several brushes are propped on a brush rest in the form of a reclining deer. Wonderfully detailed with a lovely muted color palette. A subject rarely 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 - Utamaro (1750 - 1806)

Image Size - 9 1/2" x 15"

Condition - Excellent with no issues to report.