Hour of the Tiger (4 to 6 am) - Handsome scene of two courtesans taking a brief break to smoke a pipe and chat. The beauty at right covers her mouth with her sleeve as she divulges a secret to her companion. Beautiful detail in the intricately pattern fabrics and the teapot and lidded bowl. To emulate the original print, the background is flecked with metallic pigment that has oxidized to a dark tone.

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 1/4" x 10" + margins as shown

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