Description :

Offered for auction is a captivating and elegant woodblock print, "Kushi" (Comb), by the celebrated Edo-period master of ukiyo-e, Kitagawa Utamaro. Originally created around 1795-96, this print is a prime example of Utamaro's groundbreaking bijin-ga ("pictures of beautiful women") portraits.The artwork depicts a woman in a moment of private contemplation, looking through a transparent comb, most likely made of glass. This intimate portrait showcases Utamaro's unique ability to render both physical beauty and psychological depth. He was known for his ōkubi-e, or "large-headed pictures of beautiful women," which focused on the head and upper torso to convey subtle expressions and individuality, a style that was a departure from the idealized images of his time.This print is rendered with the meticulous detail and masterful technique characteristic of Utamaro's work. The composition is notable for its use of subtle line work, delicate coloration, and the fine carving of details like the individual strands of hair.

Artist Biography: Kitagawa Utamaro (c. 1753–1806) is one of the most highly regarded designers of ukiyo-e woodblock prints and paintings. His work defined the bijin-ga genre and profoundly influenced subsequent artists both in Japan and in Europe during the 19th century, contributing to the Japonisme movement.

Medium: Woodblock print on paper

Dimensions: Approximately 39 x 26 cm (15 in x 10 in), consistent with the original ōban size.

Condition Report: The print is presented in a modern frame with archival matting- some small marks of wear on the frame itself. Colors show typical fading commensurate with age, a characteristic of original prints that used natural, vegetable-based dyes. Some age toning and minor spotting are visible, as expected with a work of this age. The work is not signed on the plate, which is common for prints of this period. 

This work is a significant representation of the Edo period's "floating world" aesthetic, where artists documented the transient beauty and daily life of courtesans, geishas, and other figures from the pleasure districts.