1963 After Harunobu "Woman Riding the Crane", Full-Color Print From Japan

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A stunning full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "Woman Riding the Crane" by Harunobu (died on the 15th … Read more A stunning full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "Woman Riding the Crane" 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 6 on the label on the front. Excellent condition - minor edge 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 8.2"W x 10.95"H

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

Woman Riding the Crane (Yoshu No Tsuru)
Harunobu: Signed
Printer: Unsigned
In the possession of Dr. Seiichiro Takahashi

The Chinese have a saying: to visit Yung city on the back of the crane is the ultimate of man's pleasure. The city of Yung was considered to be the good timers' paradise in the 17th century China, and the idea caught on in Edo too. This picture represents the proverbial pleasure from the standpoint of woman, by humorously fitting the theme to the familiar Japanese proverb "a woman of no birth may ride in noble man's palanquin". The girl riding the legendary crane is dressed in a garment whose design is by now as familiar as the Chinese saucer. The more conventional Ukiyo-E artists might have added some Yoshiwara scenic in the background for a realistic touch, but Harunobu characteristically keeps his picture unencumbered with worldly suggestions, the result being the much prized dream-like quality of this picture. See less