Marvelous Meiji Era Beauty Reprint. This striking bijin-ga or beauty print is, of course, a Kitagawa Utamaro masterwork. Without a doubt, Utamaro Japanese, c. His classic head and shoulders portraits of courtesans, geishas and teahouse waitresses are among the most sought after of all prints. In fact, many serious collectors consider Utamaro’s beauties to be the very soul of Ukiyo, the art of the Floating World. The title of this marvelous print is Two Courtesans of the Hyogo-Ya. This wonderful antique reprint is a rare find from the Meiji Era. It was printed sometime in the second half of the 1800s. It is a classic portrait Utamaro portrait of two beauties reading. There is beautiful detail in both their hair and kimonos. A shimmering grey mica background enhances their images. This lovely and impressive Meiji era reprint would be a wonderful choice for the serious collector or interior decorator. It would be striking displayed on your home or office wall and is bound to become a cherished family heirloom. Utamaro’s masterworks are in the collections of many of the world’s leading museums. Among them are the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the British Museum, London; the Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia; and the Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo. Kitagawa Utamaro, Japanese, c. Two Courtesans of the Hyogo-Ya. MEDIUM: Authentic polychrome woodblock print; ink and color on handmade paper. 14 7/8″ x 9 7/8″; (37,8 cm x 25,1 cm). 15 1/8″ x 10″; (38,4 cm x 25,4 cm). Superb condition for its age. Wonderful color and stunning detail. Shimmering soft mica background. A few faint stains. Remnants from previous mounting on verso. Please take a moment to examine the scans carefully. The Uki Arts Gallery.
