KITAGAWA UTAMARO (1753-1806) BIJIN-GA WOODBLOCK PRINT AFTER THE EDO PERIOD MASTER, 22IN x 26IN (56cm

拍品描述

Elegant Japanese ukiyo-e bijin-ga woodblock print after the celebrated Edo-period master Kitagawa Utamaro (1753?1806), titled ?Fujin S_gaku Jippin? (Ten Classes of Women?s Physiognomy), Woman Reading a Letter. Utamaro is widely regarded as one of the greatest portraitists of women in the history of Japanese art. The composition depicts a graceful young woman delicately holding and reading a folded letter, rendered with Utamaro?s signature aesthetic of elongated facial proportions, refined hair arrangement with comb and hairpin, and a beautifully patterned kimono. The subtle gesture and introspective pose exemplify the intimate psychological portrayal of women that made Utamaro?s bijin-ga prints famous during the late Edo period. The vertical cartouche at right reads Fujin S_gaku Jippin, translated as ?Ten Classes of Women?s Physiognomy.? This celebrated series explored subtle variations in feminine beauty and personality and remains among the most admired works of classical ukiyo-e printmaking. This example appears to be a later Japanese woodblock reproduction after the original Edo-period design. A Japanese copyright stamp on the verso reading Fukyo Fukusei ? Reproduction Prohibited, indicates production by a Japanese print workshop, likely dating to the mid-20th century, when high-quality reproductions of famous ukiyo-e prints were widely produced for collectors and export markets. Printed in the traditional vertical _ban format, the print retains the refined linework and harmonious color palette characteristic of Utamaro?s celebrated beauty portraits, making it an appealing decorative example of classical Japanese print design. This piece was part of the famous Robert O. Muller collection, and it was purchased by Muller in the 1930s. This piece was examined outside of the frame and the piece appears generally good with typical light age toning and minor handling consistent with age. This piece is matted and framed under acrylic in an ornate golden frame. With frame, this measures 22 inches x 26 inches. , 22IN x 26IN (56cm x 66cm), LOT REF #25-243

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