Comments - Lovely kakemono or vertical diptych of beauties enjoying a summer afternoon in the Yoshiwara. A beauty leans over the verandah railing looking down at the street below, where three women pause to speak to a fan vendor whose wares are perched on his shoulder. The woman next to her wears a sheer black silk kimono, the outline of her body visible through the gauzy fabric. Behind them a beauty hangs a kimono over a line to dry, and a shamisen can be seen leaning against the wall inside. A beautiful Edo era subject in an unusual format, attractively colored. A fine choice for display.
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 - Kiyonaga (1752 - 1815)
Image Size - 30 1/2" x 9 7/8" + margins as shown
Condition - Excellent overall with no issues to report.
