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Subject:Japanese Woodblock print ID ?
Posted By: Sinder Mon, Jun 01, 2015 IP: 98.170.226.79

Hi,

I'm looking for any information on this print that I have. I have done a lot of research but I cannot find out anything about it.

It has several "shiny" areas and on the back you can clearly see the fibers in the paper

thank you in advance,
sinder







Subject:Re: Japanese Woodblock print ID ?
Posted By: Guy Tue, Jun 02, 2015

Wow! Where did you get this print?
This seems to be a genuine 18th century print in splendid condition, designed by Okumura Toshinobu (act. between 1716-1751). It's a 'beni-e' (i.e. a sumizuri-e that was hand-colored with vegetable colors) in 'hosoban' format, probably issued ca. 1720-30s by publisher Komatsuya (either Denshichirō, Denshirō or Kihachi). Signed 'Yamato gakō Okumura Toshinobu hitsu'.

I'm not sure if this is a depiction of a high ranking courtesan making her toilet or an 'onnagata' actor (a kabuki performer of female roles) during his leisure time. Eventually, a detailed image of the circular crest on the sleeve of the robe could provide a more definitive answer about this matter.

Guy.

Subject:Re: Japanese Woodblock print ID ?
Posted By: Sinder Wed, Jun 03, 2015

Thank you so much, Guy ! This was actually a gift to me along with couple other prints. I recently decided to research their history.

THIS print was driving me nuts because I could not find ANY information on it. There doesn't seem to be many of these out there.

Thank you again, _ I so appreciate you taking the time to comment.( Now I can give my eyes a rest) !
Sinder

Subject:Re: Japanese Woodblock print ID ?
Posted By: Stan Tue, Jun 02, 2015

The artist's signature (on the right near the woman's knee) appears to be that of Okumura Toshinobu (1717 - 1750).

Regards,
Stan

Subject:Re: Japanese Woodblock print ID ?
Posted By: Sinder Wed, Jun 03, 2015

Thank you, Stan. I appreciate you taking the time to post this information.

You have all made my day ! :)

sinder

Subject:Re: Japanese Woodblock print ID ?
Posted By: Guy Tue, Jun 02, 2015

There is another copy of this print, in less condition, in the collection of the Tobacco & Salt Museum in Tokyo. The courtesan (or actor) on the print is not making her toilet, but is solving a rebus depicted on the fan in her hand.

Guy

URL Title :T&S Museum (scroll down on the page)


Subject:Re: Japanese Woodblock print ID ?
Posted By: Sinder Wed, Jun 03, 2015

OK.....

Might I just say..... WOW !!! This is so exciting !!!

Who would have thought it ? ?

I am floored that you not only know who it is, but you know WHERE one just like it is housed.

Thank you so much, Guy !

Sinder



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