Hinazuru of the Chojiya - Lovely scene of the beautiful young courtesan Hinazuru of the Chojiya and an attendant looking at a kimono hanging on a stand. The robe is patterned with a flowing stream and a mortar and pestle for fulling cloth, a reference to the Chofu River, one of the Six Jewel Rivers of the series title. Wonderful intricate detail in the fabric patterns and fine embossed ribs on the white fan. The background is scattered with metallic particles, like Utamaro's original.

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 - 14 1/4" x 9 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Please see photos for details. Good overall.