Title: Frog (蛙) Artist: Kitagawa Utamaro (喜多川歌麿，1753-1806) Medium: Woodblock Print Artist’s Markings: Artist’s signature on plate Sheet Size: 26 × 38 cm (10.2 × 15.0 in) Image Size: 21.8 × 32.5 cm (8.6 × 12.8 in) Sheet Material: Washi (和紙) Printer (摺師): Akio Watanabe (波辺 章夫) Carver (彫師): Kenji Okura (大倉 健二) Publisher: Ukiyo-e Hanga Kankōkai (浮世絵版画刊行会) This exquisite nishiki-e (木版锦绘) woodblock print, Frog (蛙), is a work from Ehon Mushi Erami (絵本虫撰) by Kitagawa Utamaro—one of the great ukiyo-e masters of Japan’s Edo period. The original piece was created in Tenmei 8 (c. 1788); this edition is a reprint published in the late 1950s by the Ukiyo-e Hanga Kankōkai (浮世絵版画刊行会). On the left side of the composition lies a finely textured dark green lotus leaf, upon which rests a small beetle; part of a frog’s body peeks out from beneath the leaf. On the right, a vividly posed frog is rendered with delicate detail, lending the scene a fresh, natural atmosphere. Accompanying the image on the right is a Japanese haiku that playfully describes the frog: “Frog, they say you’re noisy—but here by the quiet pond, you sit like a young monk in meditation”. This verse aligns perfectly with the scene and reflects the literary charm of the Edo period. Production and publisher details are also marked on the reverse side of the print. Due to age, the washi (和紙) sheet shows signs of oxidation-induced yellowing; overall condition remains good. - The picture is part of the description. The color of the item may be slightly different from the picture (due to camera and screen settings). - The successful bidder will be responsible for any customs duties and taxes (if applicable). - This item will be mailed by the postal service of Taiwan in the form of airmail with insurance attached.