Comments - A lovely Utamaro okubi-e or large head portrait of the young beauty Oshun after a bath. She gently pats the side of her face with a tie-dyed towel as she looks over her shoulder. Her hair is pulled back into a sleek bun, tied out of the way with a white sash, a few looses wisps framing her face. She wears a boldly patterned checked robe, a perfect contrast with the subtle silver mica background. A beautiful design with wonderful fine detail in the delicate hairline.

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 - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Small spot. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.