Posted 12 years ago
vetraio50
(751 items)
A twenty-first birthday present to my partner Paul from Lois McM. This fair lady looks down on us each day with pen poised, reading a letter, ready to engage us with her eyes. The original work was done around 1793-1794. It is part of a series called "Komei bijin Rokkasen" a comparison of the beautiful women of the six houses of the Yoshiwara, the pleasure district in Edo, present-day Tokyo, Japan.
"Starting around 1790, the rise of Utamaro marked the beginning of an epoch in which he was the lodestar in a galaxy of woodblock artists. After producing a few portraits of actors, he turned to the portrayal of bijin (beautiful women). He enriched this genre by introducing the “large head” composition, which fills up almost the entire print with famous courtesans in close-up. His women, their elaborate hairdos rendered in exquisite detail, radiate grace and femininity. No artist had more insight into the Yoshiwara Pleasure Quarter than Utamaro, who spent a great part of his life there and knew the quarter and its people intimately."
http://www.imj.org.il
Her identity is revealed in the top right-hand corner of the print. There the artist has placed a rebus which spells out first the name of the 'oira' or brothel and then the name of the woman. Ogi - the fan, Ya - the arrow, Hana - the flower, Ogi - the fan (yet again).
"Kitagawa Utamaro (ca. 1753 – October 31, 1806) was a Japanese printmaker and painter, who is considered one of the greatest artists of woodblock prints (ukiyo-e). His name was romanized as Outamaro. He is known especially for his masterfully composed studies of women, known as bijinga. He also produced nature studies, particularly illustrated books of insects.
His work reached Europe in the mid-nineteenth century, where it was very popular, enjoying particular acclaim in France. He influenced the European Impressionists, particularly with his use of partial views and his emphasis on light and shade. The reference to the "Japanese influence" among these artists often refers to the work of Utamaro." Wikipedia.
Signed : Utamaro hitsu
Editor : Omiya Gonkuro? (?)
Format : oban tate-e
H: 38 cm or 15"
L: 20 cm or 7.85"
Many thanks Sean. She did well by him on his 21st!
Many thanks miKKo!
This auto correct keeps wanting to change you to 'milko' miKKo. Here in Australia the milko was the guy who delivered milk each morning. As wikipedia says:
A pejorative term for milkman (but not in Australia where people miss the daily visit from "the milko").
Very very beautiful!!! (Lucky Paul! LOL)
Many thanks musikchoo, toolate2, Phil for the loves and for those kind comments too, austro!
Many thanks thriftfan!
Hi Sean. Just about to finish up. Just back from an evening in the city of Classical music. The ACO were again really good.
But as an aside did you see the animusic youtube thing?
http://www.youtube.com/embed/XlyCLbt3Thk?rel=0
Then there is this: a virtual Japanese samisen orchestra!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOQJxRCCpw8&feature=relmfu
Hope you have a great Woden's day Sean!
Steam-punk and Water-harp:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgt4DEBQy50&list=LPNCYsgxFtWZE&index=6&feature=plcp
Many thanks kulektorEddie!
Hi Sean, a bit giu' - a change of season's flu. Not much has happened. Hope you have a great Sunday!
Hi vitraio50, I just purchased a set of three woodblocks at a auction last week, with the same artist signature. Also in the oban format. From the research I have done I think the publishers mark is Murataya Jirobei. Any ideals on translating the titles on these pieces or dating them? The paper appears very old with some slight crease's and folds. One depicts three woman and the other two depict two woman and a young boy. Any help or info would be appreciated. When I get a chance I will post pictures, Thanks.
Hi rocker-sd. Use the word triptych on your searches.
Thank you for the name of the publishing house.
When I get onto the main computer I'll add some sites I've used.
On ipad at the mo'.
Lovely ! I love Ukiyo-e
Thanks vetraio50, I did try the word triptych as you suggested. I don't know that it would apply to my prints. The triptych seem to carry over from one print to another to form one continuos scene. My set of prints are three separate scenes. I have them posted on CW now. Please take a look, I would appreciate your thoughts. Thank you.
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/72709-utamaro-japanese-woodblock-prints?in=activity
Many thanks Marty! I'm off to have a look now, rocker-sd. Thanks!
Thanks again for all your help!
Pleasure rocker-sd! Many eyes!
Thanks Sean. We are now both down with it. Nothing really serious, just sniffles, sneezing and damn down 'n dwowsy!
Hi Vet , I thought I was comming down with the Summertime flue on Monday but made some of good old mumma's cure all........ Chicken soup! it works!
I hope it stays that way Marty! I should have boiled that chook rather than roasted it! Karma!
bet it was still finger lick'n good!
No way! Fifteen bay leaves in a chicken! Some extras outside between legs and breast. Roast! Lorenza de Medici chook!
Many thanks senchi and to you too Tonino!
Hope all of you are OK in front of Sandy!
I have just seen it, I'll have a look.
It was the flu. I just have felt a bit jaded. I''ve been lying low with the iPad. Might be time to get out the camera. I'm just sorting through some stuff that I will be getting rid of soon.
Hope all is well in Wisconsin!
Cheers thanks again. It is one of the clear glass engraved pieces. I've seen a couple actually. There are versions of his Lappi vases that are really heavily engraved. I missed out on one on ebay six months ago. I've taken a punt on this one, but to get postage to Australia and the bowl for $55 for it's worth the effort. I just like engraved pieces. I appreciate your effort here yet again.
Many thanks clockerman!
Hi Sean, hope the new job is working out fine!
Many thanks Manikin and to you too Alfredo VC
Many thanks petey!
Sorry V50 for not noticing sooner, Lovely piece and great B-day present. Congrats
Many thanks kerry10456 BLTN ;) just kidding, thanks again!
Mom always said I would be late to my own funeral, so I say, just start without me. so "better late then never" would be fitting. :-)
Many thanks toracat!
Many thanks AGRAM!
Many thanks HO2CULTURE!
Many thanks SEAN, BETTY, RADEGRUNDER 'n ROYCROFTBOOKSFROMME !!!!!!!!
Many thanks AURA !!!!
Many thanks WINDWALKER !!! !!!! !!!
Many thanks DLPETERSEN !!!!!!
Nice great post Vetraio! detailed and informative thanks for posting! You have inspired me to post my 1936 Japenese wood block of a mouse eating grapes from a wooden bowl created by a Japanese artist who was the son of samurai.
Many thanks PICKABOO.
I look forward to seeing your print
Many thanks MRCOLORZ !!!!!