Title: American Merchant Strolling in Yokohama
Artist: Utagawa Sadahide
(info from Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Measurements: 9.25 inches x 13.75 inches
Condition: There are obvious signs of age on this print with discolouration and dirt. the lower corners are creased. I'm a bit confused by the paper on the back and wonder if this has been lined by thicker paper - there is a seam running down the back (please see the photo of the reverse) There is also pencil writing on the back (presumably by the dealer) which says a stock number and 'Sadahide 1861) - there is also a tiny red stamp (of an origami crane) on the reverse of one of the corners. Also having compared it to the one in the Met archive this one appears to have been trimmed - shaving off the engravers seal on the right and about half an inch off the left margin too. Maybe it was trimmed when it was lined. Also, the artist's seal a the bottom has faded a bit.
Please zoom in and scrutinize the photos before buying but please be aware that the colors differ in real life due to screen settings, etc. Thank You.
***
Hello! I am back again! I have come across a collection of Japanese prints. Most of them were neatly kept in a print drawer and in their original purchase wrappers. (there are also some framed but I will get to those later). According to those which have labels, most were bought in New York City, London or Japan. If the print has a label, I have photographed it and written the details above. If the print doesn't have a label, I have thrown myself at the mercy of Google which I know isn't always accurate. If I have Googled, I have made that clear in the description. I am assuming if you are looking at Japanese prints on here then your knowledge vastly supercedes mine and you can tell more from the photo than from my description. I do have some knowledge with art and prints in general and can mostly successfully gauge if something is original or a reprint - though I am not strong in the field of Japanese woodblock prints, even though the paperstock and bleed can be an indicator, I am unaware if certain artists' works were published in different iterations and I wouldn't be able to ascertain which portfolio or pressing they came from. The only thing I can do is be as honest as possible about my shortcomings, tell you everything I can physically see with my eyes and be present for any questioning to help you make the decision about whether you would like to purchase or not.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The color of the actual paper and inks may differ from how they appear on eBay due to camera and screen settings, etc.
Thank you.