Original late Edo period Kikugawa Eizan woodblock print of a performing geisha in a pale blue kimono with samisen, a traditional three-stringed Japanese instrument. The style, signature and censor seals date this print to c. 1815 - 1835.
Kikugawa Eizan (1787-1867) was a prominent bijin-ga artist in the early 19th c. He was known for refined and elegant portrayals of women, and influenced by the highly regarded ukiyo-e woodblock print artist, Utamaro.
The print style, signature and censor seals date this woodblock print to the late Edo period c.1815 - 1835. The visible censor and publisher's seal bottom right match those used pre-1842, before strict Tenpō reforms altered publishing practices.
In image 8, the poems flanking either side of the figure have been translated. To her left the poem reads 'The face of one like a chrysanthemum touched with dew', an elegant metaphor for refined beauty. The poem to her right reads ' her figure is gentle even in excess'.
CONDITION: There is some minor signs of foxing and age toning commensurate with age. The natural, vegetable dyes used at the time were notoriously delicate, and the blue kimono has faded a little with time, but the image remains crisp and strong. Presented in a contemporary frame with a nylon cord attached to hooks verso.
Please look carefully at the images as they form part of the description. WILL BE DISPATCHED PROTECTED IN POLYSTYRENE.
Frame height: 55 cms. Width: 42 cms. Depth: 2 cms. Image size inside mount: 36.5 X 25 cms. Weight: 1.9 Kgs.
Price: £205.00. FEATURED ARTIST'S EASEL FOR DISPLAY PURPOSES ONLY, AND NOT INCLUDED.
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SKU: 12808.