item number:#BJ-5 Utamaro Kitagawa (1753-1806) "Awabi" -Complete Triptych-
"Awabi" (Abalone Divers) by Utamaro Kitagawa (1753 - 1806). Excellent impression, bold colors, highly detailed, strong crisp lines. Never framed. Near perfect condition. Hand printed upon hand-made mulberry paper and with full margins.Originally published in 1798; this is a later re-strike from about 1960's by the renowned publisher Yuyudo. Signed "Utamaro hitsu". Carver was Torazo Matsuda and Printer was Sugimoto Shinjirou (died 1966). See stamp on verso. We date this print from most likely before 1966 as this is year the printer died and we know that the carver worked for Yuyudo around the same time. At best this is an educated guess. This wonderful mid-Showa period print (circa 1940-1960) was struck from meticulously re-carved blocks, and is a perfect rendition of this wonderful masterpiece by the great ukiyo-e master Utamaro Kitagawa.   Three sheets each 10.75 by 15.50 with an overall measurement of about 32.25 by 15.50. Beautifully toned from age with one minor foxing on left panel. Colors are as expected for an older print. Comes with original presentation folder and hard decorative/storage folder. As well as publisher's information sheet in Japanese. This old masterpiece has been reproduced countless times by and unknown number of carvers, printers and publishers; each with various degrees of quality and accuracy. Yuyudo was undoubted one of the best. Kitagawa Utamaro, as the dominant Ukiyo-e artists of the late 18th Century. Utamaro (1753-1806).  Utamaro (1753-1806), one of the first and largest masters of this genre. But about his life we know little. Neither the exact date of his birth, his birthplace or about his parents. In the year 1781-82, he changed his name to Kitagawa Utamaro. Utamaro was highly talented in representing the women and was hailed as the portrait painter of feminine charm. He thus produced large quantities of prints for some 40 publishers during his career which ended in 1806, the year of his death. He thus produced large quantities of prints for some 40 publishers during his career which ended in 1806, the year of his death. After his death, his pupil, Koikawa Shuncho, married Utamaro's widow, took his master's name and continued to produce beautiful women prints in the style of his master until 1820. And as he used the same signature as his master, he caused a bit of a mess for today's art experts and collectors. Shipping Charges Please ask. This item will be shipped from USA store, We are happy to combine items to save on shipping.