Antique Japanese Woodblock Print by Takagi Sadatake -Furyu kasen ehon wakanoura (The Wakanoura Picture Book)- c.1734
Presented is a beautiful Japanese woodblock print by the prominent ukiyo-e artist Takagi Sadatage, published in the first half of the 18th century.
Takagi Sadatage was an early ukiyo-e artist. Said to have studied with Kano Eino and Tosa Mitsusuke. A Kyoto 'Ukiyo-e' artist, Sadatage was one of the leading printmakers in the Osaka-Kyoto area during the early period of 'Ukiyo-e'. He perfected a fresh, new style of depicting women in a refined, ample manner, grounded in realism.
Sadatake produced several illustrated books in which he showed great artistic talent in depicting realistic, dynamic characters engaged in battles, court life, and everyday activities.
"Furyu kasen ehon wakanoura (The Wakanoura Picture Book, Elegant Representations of the 36 Immortal Poets) is a book of poems illustrated by Sadatage. He made it as a tribute to his teacher, Nishikawa Sukenobu, who created a book with the same title.
This particular print depicts a young man talking to two women. Most likely, a young poet reading poetry. The poem is written at the top of the prints, but it's hard to read the Japanese calligraphy.
I have provided a picture from the British Museum website showing the same print.
Please note that the last picture is for reference only.
The print was made using the Japanese woodblock technique, with the cutting done by Sukenobui himself or under his supervision.
His prints can be found in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the New York Metropolitan Museum, the British Museum, the Chicago Art Institute, etc.
AUTHOR: Takagi Sadatake
CREATED: 1730s
PRINTER/EDITOR: Hashiya Jihei
PAPER: washi paper
METHOD OF PRINTING: Woodblock printing
PRINTED: 1734
OVERALL SIZE: Ohon 26.3cm x 15.3cm (10½in x 6 in)
BACKING: Yes
This is a double page from the book. It is mounted on a paper mat just for display using two tiny strips of museum tape..
Don't miss the chance to own one of the early 18th-century works by the renowned artist!
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