KITAGAWA UTAMARO (1753-1806) JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINT TITLED OSHICHI AND KICHISABURO WITH COA
A superb, traditionally printed Japanese woodblock after Kitagawa Utamaro (Japanese, circa 1753–1806), depicting the legendary lovers Oshichi and Kichisaburo in a dramatic winter encounter. Produced by the respected Takamizawa workshop in 1929 and acquired by renowned collector Robert O. Muller during the 1930s, this elegant impression is accompanied by a signed Fuji Arts Certificate of Provenance and Authenticity. The composition was originally conceived by Utamaro as a hashira-e, or pillar print. This ia an unusually tall and narrow format designed for display on the structural pillars of traditional Japanese interiors. Surviving original pillar prints are notably scarce because their intended method of display exposed them to light, smoke and handling. This carefully executed recut edition preserves the exceptionally graceful proportions and sweeping vertical movement of Utamaro’s historic design. The printed inscription near the lower right reads Utamaro hitsu, meaning from the brush of Utamaro, with the original publisher’s emblem reproduced below. These are carved and printed elements of the historical design rather than handwritten signatures. Of particular importance, the reverse bears a Japanese production inscription associated with the Takamizawa workshop. It appears to record a production date of Sh_wa 4, eighth month (August 1929) and credits the specialist carver and printer responsible for recreating Utamaro’s composition. Takamizawa editions are highly regarded for their faithful carving, nuanced color and adherence to traditional woodblock-printing methods. The accompanying certificate, signed by William Fagan of Fuji Arts, states that the impression was printed from carved woodblocks during the 20th century, purchased by Robert O. Muller during the 1930s and subsequently acquired from the Muller estate. Muller assembled one of the foremost Western collections of 20th-century Japanese prints, with thousands of works from his holdings later entering the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. The certificate identifies this impression as inventory no. 160117068569 and accompanies the lot. The entire piece is matted and framed under acrylic in a faux bamboo frame and it measures 14.5 inches x 24 inches. This piece was acquired from a Metro Washington DC estate and comes with a COA.
Condition
Excellent
Dimensions
24 x 14.5 x 0.75 in
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
A superb, traditionally printed Japanese woodblock after Kitagawa Utamaro (Japanese, circa 1753–1806), depicting the legendary lovers Oshichi and Kichisaburo in a dramatic winter encounter. Produced by the respected Takamizawa workshop in 1929 and acquired by renowned collector Robert O. Muller during the 1930s, this elegant impression is accompanied by a signed Fuji Arts Certificate of Provenance and Authenticity. The composition was originally conceived by Utamaro as a hashira-e, or pillar print. This ia an unusually tall and narrow format designed for display on the structural pillars of traditional Japanese interiors. Surviving original pillar prints are notably scarce because their intended method of display exposed them to light, smoke and handling. This carefully executed recut edition preserves the exceptionally graceful proportions and sweeping vertical movement of Utamaro’s historic design. The printed inscription near the lower right reads Utamaro hitsu, meaning from the brush of Utamaro, with the original publisher’s emblem reproduced below. These are carved and printed elements of the historical design rather than handwritten signatures. Of particular importance, the reverse bears a Japanese production inscription associated with the Takamizawa workshop. It appears to record a production date of Sh_wa 4, eighth month (August 1929) and credits the specialist carver and printer responsible for recreating Utamaro’s composition. Takamizawa editions are highly regarded for their faithful carving, nuanced color and adherence to traditional woodblock-printing methods. The accompanying certificate, signed by William Fagan of Fuji Arts, states that the impression was printed from carved woodblocks during the 20th century, purchased by Robert O. Muller during the 1930s and subsequently acquired from the Muller estate. Muller assembled one of the foremost Western collections of 20th-century Japanese prints, with thousands of works from his holdings later entering the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. The certificate identifies this impression as inventory no. 160117068569 and accompanies the lot. The entire piece is matted and framed under acrylic in a faux bamboo frame and it measures 14.5 inches x 24 inches. This piece was acquired from a Metro Washington DC estate and comes with a COA.
Condition
Excellent
Dimensions
24 x 14.5 x 0.75 in
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
