After Kitagawa Utamaro (Japanese, 1753-1806) Woodblock Print Portrait

Kitagawa Utamaro (Japanese, 1753-1806), woodblock print (nishiki-e) titled Five Beautiful Women Compared for Their Charms, depicting the courtesan Hanazuma reading a letter. The okubi-e (large-head) portrait shows the subject in a red and white checkered kimono with floral motifs, leaning over a handwritten scroll. The work features a circular cartouche in the upper left containing an arrow, blossom, and pine branch next to the series title. The lower left is signed Seimei Utamaro hitsu, or authentic Utamaro signature, with a circular red seal below. The reverse side shows significant ink bleed-through and is secured to a cream mat with brown paper tape featuring an advertisement for Henricks Lucas and Dutch Boy Paints in New Jersey. Edo period (1603-1868). Dimensions: See Desc. Condition Request Condition Report Good.

Estimate:£15.13

View all items fromWhitley's AuctioneersorArts & Graphics