Ader
201
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Kitagawa Utamaro (1754–1806), a woodblock print from the ser…
See original version (French)
201
-
Kitagawa Utamaro (1754–1806), a woodblock print from the ser…
See original version (French)
Estimate €800 - €1,000
Voluntary lot
Description
Kitagawa Utamaro (1754–1806), a woodblock print from the series ‘Emulation in the Spring of True Love’ (Jitsu kurabe iro no Minakami)
Nishiki-e woodblock print, ink and pigments on paper, oban tate e format, by Kamiya Jihei and Kinokuniya Koharu. Inspired by a true story from 1720, the lovers Koharu and Jihei became the heroes of a famous play adapted for both bunraku puppet theatre and kabuki. A married merchant from Osaka and a courtesan from the Kinokuniya house in the Sonezaki Shinchi pleasure quarter committed suicide together at Daichō-ji Temple on Amijima. The print depicts their nocturnal walk towards death, suggested by the grey background. Jihei lights the way with a lantern whilst Koharu pulls her black veil down over her face.
Circa 1798–1799. Signed ‘Utamaro hitsu’. Published by Nishimuraya Yohachi (Eijudo). ‘Kiwame’ censorship stamp.
38.1 x 25.8 cm
Heavily lined; traces of restoration; repaired wormholes; stains; sun-faded.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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