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.

A Downtown Geisha - Lovely print of a young geisha looking into a pocket mirror that has been wrapped in a stack of tissues. She surveys her reflection with interest as she looks down, her hair elaborately styled with a large comb and many tortoiseshell hairpins She wears a gray kimono patterned with swallows and geese over a red under robe, tied with a blue obi that reverses to a geometric print. Nicely detailed with delicate embossing on her white collar. The fan inset shows fireworks over the Ryogoku River. A charming subject.

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 - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 15 5/8" x 10 3/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.