Comments - Lovely 18th century portrait by Buncho of a young woman standing in a garden. She holds a small figure of a lion on a cloth in her hands, looking back over her shoulder. She wears a gray kimono with a design of wisteria blossoms, tied with a pale blue obi featuring circular motifs. A sign hangs at the entrance to the room, and a sake kettle rests on the floor next to a red lacquer offering tray holding cups. At right, a blossoms shrub rises above a brushwood fence. Beautifully drawn and detailed, with delicate line work in the hands and face.

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 - Buncho (active 1765 - 1792)

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 6"

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