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.

Hanaogi of the Ogiya - Beautiful image of the elegant courtesan Hanaogi of the Ogiya sitting next to a low desk, a brush in hand as she prepares to paint a design on an embossed folding fan. She smiles as she looks down, her purple outer kimono patterned with rabbits slipping from her shoulders. Her white under robe is bordered with embossed cherry blossoms, the inner collar detailed with subtle white mica. A lovely subject with soft color.

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 - Eishi (1756 - 1829)

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

Condition - Excellent overall with no issues to report.