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.

The Entangled Kite String - Attractive Kiyonaga design depicting a young woman, sometimes described as the "townsman's wife," walking on a windy day, accompanied by a young maid carrying an umbrella. The maid's foot has become entangled with the little boy's kite string, and he runs after her, tugging at the string. A charming design from Kiyonaga's "Customs of the East" series, which focuses on scenes of women and children in daily life.

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 10 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. A few small marks, a few light creases at edge. Please see photos for details. Good overall.