1963 After Harunobu "Beauties of the Gay Quarters on Outing Pleasure", Full-Color Print From Japan

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A stunning full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "Beauties of the Gay Quarters on Outing Pleasure" by Harunobu … Read more A stunning full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "Beauties of the Gay Quarters on Outing Pleasure" 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 7 on the label on the front. Excellent condition - minor edge wear on the board, minor age wear on the 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 8.35"W x 11.45"H

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

Harunobu: Unsigned
Printer: Unsigned
In the possession of Mr. Takaharu Mitsui

From about the middle of the 18th century, outing became a popular pastime for the Edoites. In the picture is a Yoshiwara courtesan accompanied by her two young attendants is enjoying her outing perhaps more than the view. One of the girls has a gourd, the sake container, slung across her shoulder, the other carries a tobacco-tray. And the lady has a wad of paper in hand, probably waiting for inspiration. The pleasure of such outing for these girls whose time was not their own, was more than one can imaging today. In the feudal days when society was operated by apprentice system, leisure was beyond the reach of average citizens. Actually courtesans of the day had no such freedom as to take a day off outing in the country. And Harunobu was fixing to paper his dream, painted all the more attractive because it is going to remain a dream. See less