Publisher - Adachi from a rare series of Edo masterwork designs. Adachi publisher seal in margin or on reverse.

Adachi was one of the most respected publishers of the 20th century. Their woodblocks were printed to the highest standards with excellent color and fine detail. Founded in 1925, Adachi also chose interesting and varied subjects for their prints and was the only publisher of many famous old ukiyo-e images.

Comments - Beautiful Utamaro design of an insect vendor selling his wares of chirping crickets and singing grasshoppers to a young beauty. She takes the cage shyly from him, holding her kimono sleeve up to her face, an intrigued look on her face. Lovely color palette and wonderful detail in this attractive 18th century image. A classic Edo era beauty subject, rarely seen in reprint.

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 - 15" x 10" + margins as shown

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