1964 After Kiyonaga "Snow View at Matsuchi-Yama", Full-Color Print From Japan

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A stunning large full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "Snow View at Matsuchi-yama", a part of Diptych, by … Read more A stunning large full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "Snow View at Matsuchi-yama", a part of Diptych, by Kiyonaga (1752-1815). Comes from a rare Collection of 24 Masterpieces by Kiyonaga. Produced & published by Shuei-Sha, Tokyo, in July 1964. 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 17 on the label on the front of the cover. Excellent condition - minor edge wear on the board, minor age wear on the cover, never framed, ready to be framed. Copy of the commentary by Dr. Kiyoshi Shibui (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 10.30"W x 15.20"H

Commentary by Ukiyo-e Art consultant & editor Dr. Kiyoshi Shibui:

Nishiki-e, O-ban, Tate-e, Diptych
Signature: signed KIYONAGA
Printers: Unidentified
Date: 1785
In the possession of Mr. Ryunosuke Kikuchi, Tokyo

Matsuchi-yama is richly associated with old poems, situated as it is right beside the Imagawa bridge that connects the real world with demi-monde.

"All leave their love stories in the thick of Matsuchi-yama as they go stepping out over the bridge", reads thus the stone monument of Mosui.

The same mountain appears in the Manyo poems, the nation's oldest poetry. From the top of the mountain where breezes get almost chilly of summer evenings, one can command the fine view of Iozaki point protruding towards the river bed of the Sumida and the misty village of Katsushika in the distance all squeezed in one frame.

A sophisticated customer of the gay quarters, dressed in black silk, is thoroughly enjoying himself in the stroll he is having, waited upon by his favorite geishas. He has even a pan brought out to warm the sake in. One of the girls has put on a piece of cloth over the hair to shield it from the powdery snow that may fall off the pine top. The black and white or the red and yellow color schemes are striking, but what strikes me most is the sharp contrast the tree-top with its interesting shape of branches makes against the grey wintry skies above. See less