Japanese Ukiyoe Woodblock Print Art

This Japanese ukiyo-e is a woodblock print by Kitagawa Utamaro called ‘Beauty holding kaishi paper’. It represents a woman, possibly a geisha or oiran, with hairpins holding a pile of paper. These papers are called kaishi and are used to place traditional wagashi sweets during tea ceremony. This piece is an authentic woodblock print, but it is a reprint from the Showa period, not a first edition. The print is placed on a piece of cardboard. 

Ukiyoe is a genre of Japanese art that flourished from the 17th through 19th centuries. Its artists produced woodblock prints and paintings of such subjects as female beauties, kabuki actors and sumo wrestlers, scenes from history and folk tales, travel scenes and landscapes, flora and fauna, and erotica.

• Paper
• C1950
• Item weight: 77 grams
• Packed weight: 450 grams
• Full piece approx. 48.5 cm long x 32.6 cm wide
• Ukiyoe sheet only approx. 38 cm long x 25.3 cm wide 
• Good condition considering age. Stains and damage on the cardboard. On the print: stains, marks, some discoloration. Ink marks (bottom right corner, right edge), likely from production. Wear and tear due to age. Please see the photos. 
• This piece was purchased at the famous Osu Antique Market in Nagoya, Japan

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About Us: We are Dan and Maiko. Since moving to Japan in 2001, we have gained a vast knowledge of Japanese antiques and vintage items. We are excited to offer you a delightful glimpse of the beauty that Japan has to offer. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.