​Series: Tōsei Bijin Jinbutsu Kurabe (当世美人人物比 – "Comparison of Contemporary Beauties" - Paper - Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806) - Japan - Mid Edo period

This is a rare Japanese woodblock print (ukiyo-e) by the master Kitagawa Utamaro (喜多川 歌麿, ca. 1753–1806).

Measures: 36,8 x 26,2 cm

​Details:
​Artist: Kitagawa Utamaro (喜多川 歌麿) (signed Utamaro hitsu / 哥麿筆 on the right edge).

From the series 'Tenkaichi (or Tenshō) bijin ikebana awase 点勝美人生花合

Subject: A seated woman adjusting her hair while wearing a striped and geometric-patterned kimono, looking into a hand mirror.

Overall Condition: Clear signs of age and wear.
​Discoloration (toning) across the sheet due to age and previous framing. Several repairs.
​Edges & Margins: Darker area along the edge of a little over 1 cm due to previous framing.
​Backing: Mounted on a backing sheet to stabilize the fragile paper.
Check the photo's thoroughly for detailed condition.

​Inscriptions: The series title is inscribed in the cartouche in the upper-right corner: 当世美人人物比 (Tōsei Bijin Jinbutsu Kurabe). On the left is a poetic text/character designation (including Adasakura / 仇さくら).

​Publisher: Izumiya Ichibei (Kansendō) (indicated by the publisher's seal below the signature on the right).

​Date: Edo period, ca. 1795–1798.
Original 18th century japanese woodblock from Kitagawa Utamaro.

This is a 18th century original.

Kitagawa Utamaro c. 1753 – 31 October 1806) was a Japanese artist. He is one of the most highly regarded designers of ukiyo-e woodblock prints and paintings, and is best known for his bijin ōkubi-e "large-headed pictures of beautiful women" of the 1790s. He also produced nature studies, particularly illustrated books of insects