Fire safety precautions - Torii Kiyonaga - Japan

Torii Kiyonaga, *The Radiant Goddess of Fire* (Fire Prevention) – Large-scale woodblock print from the Taisho period (1918) and publisher information

This exquisite woodblock print is a Taisho period (1918) reproduction of a classic work by Torii Kiyonaga (1752-1815), a master of Ukiyo-e prints from the Edo period.

Artist Background

Torii Kiyonaga was the fourth head of the Torii school and is renowned as one of the masters of bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women). His works are famous for their elegant and graceful female figures, delicate lines, and exquisite composition, defining the golden age of nishiki-e (brocade prints).

Print: *The Radiant Goddess of Fire* (Fire Prevention)

The title, "Beware of Fire," is a common fire warning in Edo period woodblock prints. This print depicts a warm scene in a bathhouse:

In the foreground, an elegant woman in a light blue yukata is fixing her hair.

Behind the bamboo curtain, another woman is bathing in the tub.

A cute black dog with a red ribbon adds a touch of everyday life to this tranquil scene.

Version Details

This print is from the renowned "Japanese Folk Customs Illustrations" series, published by the Japan Folk Customs Illustrations Kenkokai in March 1918 (Taisho 7). It retains the original publisher's copyright page, listing the names of the editor (Hashiguchi Goyo), engraver (Koike Seizo), and printer (Takano Shichinosuke). Printed using traditional woodblock printing techniques on high-quality paper, the print showcases fine embossing (relief printing) and vibrant, rich colors.

Condition

This print is in excellent condition; the colors remain vibrant, the paper is clean, and there are only slight signs of handling. The embossing details are clear and sharp. Includes a publisher information page.