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I think this is an Utamaro print. Can someone tell me which one, when it was first made, what the writing says and so forth? I'd like to determine if this is an original print or not, if at all possible, so any help is appreciated.

Also, the print measures about 3 3/4" x 11 7/8".

Signature　（Left lower side)
歌麿　　-　Utamaro
Seal,
喜多川　-　Kitagawa
Kitagawa Utamaro 1753-1806

Inscription in my rough transslation (Upper part)

佛説法祖師弘法末法衆生實法
汝賣五尺形躰煩悩即菩提心
(According to the) Teaching of Buddha's final law on modes of immutable existence by the sect founder Grand Master Kōbō -
I sold this five shaku (appr.150 cm) high "Bonnō" (mind poison) with the heart of destroying the annoyance

I am not sure with the readings of seals of
calligrapher monk.

With regards,
I.Nagy

Thank you so much! Greatly appreciated.

I found only one image of this online. Per Google Translate the title is "Double Traitor." But I still need to know when the print was made and if this is an original print. Hopefully someone can help.

If you found an original online, then compare the two carefully and you will have your answer.

Cheers,
Stan

Thanks, Stan!

Here's the image I found online. Too bad it's in black and white. I think the seals are the same, but some of the details are crisper than in my print, suggesting degrading of the blocks? On the other hand, mine has a border which isn't visible in the online image.



URL Title :an online image

That's the wrong image. Let's try that again.

URL Title :an online image

I was unable to identify the source of the B&W image and, thus, can't vouch for whether it is an original (or even its size). The fairly poor quality of the B&W image makes comparison difficult. It is my opinion that the two prints are not from the same blocks.

Cheers,
Stan

The image is from Ritsumeikan University.

Here's a link to the image at their site, but I don't see a lot of info there.

URL Title :Ritsumeikan University

That's the wrong image. This is the second time this has happened, and I double checked the urls.

Maybe this one from ukiyo-e.org will work better.

URL Title :Ritsumeikan University

That's a link to the seated ladies again.

Also to consider, the paper on your print doesn't look right. I think when the original was made, the paper would have had chain marks. The condition is very good for a circa 1800 print. The print is an odd size. The closest Japanese print size is: Sho-tanzaku at 3.75 x 10 inches. All these push me toward a later repro of some kind.

Cheers,
Stan

I would concur that your print appears to be a reproduction of an Utamaro print. The colors look a little too vivid and the paper not quite right to be a genuine 1800 print. It being an odd size with margins point to it being a early to mid 20th C. piece. It is a very pretty reproduction though.

Thanks! It always bothered me how new it looked, as Stan pointed out. And since it cost me so little, I have no complaints.

Pretty well done for a copy, I think. Thank you so much for your confirming opinion.

The link is wrong. It shows 3 women seated - not standing.

Here is an article about print authentication:

http://www.viewingjapaneseprints.net/texts/topics_faq/faq_original.html#how_original

Cheers,
Stan

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