Beauty and Plum Blossoms

by Kunimaru (1794 - 1829)

Current Status

Beauty and Plum Blossoms by Kunimaru (1794 - 1829)

Kunimaru (1794 - 1829) Japanese Woodblock Reprint
Beauty and Plum Blossoms

Ishu Kankokai - The publisher Ishu Kankokai of Tokyo is best known for its commemorative edition prints of shin-hanga beauties by Torii Kotondo and Hashiguchi Goyo, but they also did fine quality reprints in the 1980s of classic ukiyo-e works by masters such as Hokusai and Utamaro.

Comments - Lovely portrait of a beauty standing at the edge of a room, admiring the blossoming plum tree outside as she ties her pink striped, gourd-patterned obi. She wears a striking black kimono bordered with birds floating on flowing waters, trimmed with a purple print. A tobacco case and pipe case rest on the floor nearby, alongside several containers. An attractive early spring design, beautifully colored.

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 - Kunimaru (1794 - 1829)

Image Size - 14 3/4" x 9 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - Excellent with no issues to report.

Beauty and Plum Blossoms by Kunimaru (1794 - 1829)
Beauty and Plum Blossoms by Kunimaru (1794 - 1829)