1963 After Harunobu "The Popular Belles of the Tea House", Full-Color Print From Japan

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A stunning full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "The Popular Belles of the Tea House" by Harunobu (died … Read more A stunning full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "The Popular Belles of the Tea House" by Harunobu (died on the 15th of June in 1770 in downtown Edo, former name of Tokyo). Comes from a rare Collection of 24 Masterpieces by Harunobu. Produced & published by Shuei-Sha, Tokyo, in December 1963. Printers: Toppan Printing Co., LTD. Printed on one side. Attached at the top to a board of heavy textured paper, covered with lighter sheet of paper for protection, numbered 2 on the label on the front. Excellent condition - minor age wear on the board and cover, never framed, ready to be framed. Copy of commentaries (below) in Japanese and English is included.

Overall (folded) 12.55"W x 18.20"H
Overall (unfolded) 25"W x 18.20"H
Image 12.45"W x 5.95"H

Commentaries on the piece by Ukiyo-e Art consultants & editors Dr. Kiyoshi Shibui and Mr. Sadao Kikuchi:

The Popular Belles of the Tea House (Toji Hyoban Cha-Ya Musume)
Harunobu: Unsigned
Printer: Nishimura Eijudo
In possession of Mr. Takaharu Mitsui

Harunobu occasionally indulged in a pretty miniature work like this one. His masterpieces such as "8 Views of the Drawing Room" or "Seasonal Pictures of the 12 Months" are sometimes turned out in this popular edition of the day. The quoto, foldable into two, features the 4 most prized belles of the tea houses in Edo in his day. From the right - O'Sen of Kasamori Inari; O'Fuji of Asaka-Yojiya; O'Sode of Sakaiya and O'Rin of Tsutaya. In the background wall for each belle is visible at the right-side top a symbolical letter designed as a love letter indicating the girl's name on it. See less