Late 18th Century Kitagawa Utamaro Woodblock Print Triptych "Abalone Divers"

Description

This is a great antique three in one master piece of art after Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806) woodblock prints triptych "Abalone … more This is a great antique three in one master piece of art after Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806) woodblock prints triptych "Abalone Divers". Utamaro's work began to appear in the 1770s, and he rose to prominence in the early 1790s with his portraits of beauties with exaggerated, elongated features. He produced over 2000 known prints and was one of the few ukiyo-e artists to achieve fame throughout Japan in his lifetime.

The prints depict these women resting along the shore after diving for awabi or abalone. In the center, a beauty unselfconsciously combs her wet hair as her little boy suckles at her breast. At right, a young diver wrings the water from her red skirt, her wet hair flowing loose over her shoulders and a knife caught between her teeth. A beauty kneels beside her next to a basket full of abalone, holding a shell out in one hand. A lovely beauty design with graceful line work.

This piece is beautifully framed in a bamboo frame giving a unique and distinctive touch. Dimensions: W 29.25" X D 0.4" X H 16.25" with frame. Print(s) W 27.62" X H 14.75". These prints have been kept for some decades in a room with no direct light. The prints show signs of handling according to its age and history. Minor discoloration along with some brownish, yellowish, greenish tones throughout the prints. Some dark spots specially upper side, clear area. Overall the prints are in good antique condition. less