Suzuki Harunobu · Ehon Seirō Bijin Awase 1770 · Two courtesans of the Yoshiwara · Early full-colour - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
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Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Two full‑colour Edo‑period woodblock prints by Suzuki Harunobu from Ehon Seirō Bijin Awase (1770), two bound pages measuring about 22 × 26 cm, from Japan, in fair condition, attributed as original and authentic.
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Description from the seller
Artist: Suzuki Harunobu (鈴木春信, c. 1725–1770)
Title: Two courtesans with haiku, from Ehon Seirō Bijin Awase 絵本青楼美人合 (Picture Book of Beauties of the Green Houses)
Technique: Woodblock print, full colour (nishiki-e), book illustration
Date: Japan, 1770 (Meiwa 7), Edo period
Format: Two single pages from the bound book, offered together; together approx. [22 × 26 cm]
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Condition
These prints have many issues including mild soiling, fading and toning! Please check the images carefully before bidding! Sold as Antique!
_______________________________________________________
About the print
Ehon Seirō Bijin Awase is Harunobu's largest work and one of the finest colour-printed books of the Edo period. It appeared in 1770, the year of his death. Harunobu was the leading artist of the Meiwa era and played a key role in the arrival of full-colour woodblock printing in the mid-1760s. The British Museum, citing Lawrence Smith, describes the book as one of the earliest masterpieces of the full colour-printed woodblock book in Japan.
The five volumes portray 166 courtesans of the Yoshiwara, Edo's licensed pleasure quarter. Each page shows one courtesan, together with her name, the house where she worked and a haiku. The volumes are arranged by the season of their poems: cherry blossoms, the cuckoo, the moon, autumn leaves and snow. Harunobu's name does not appear in the colophon, but the preface mentions him, and the book has always been attributed to him.
These two pages come from a disbound copy of the book. Sheets from Seirō Bijin Awase are held by the British Museum, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the National Diet Library in Tokyo.
Seller's Story
I've been collecting Japanese woodblock prints for quite a while now — everything from classic ukiyo-e to shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga. What started as a personal passion eventually turned into something more, and these days I source prints from auctions, galleries, and private collections across Japan and Europe.
With growing worldwide interest in Japanese woodblock prints, gallery prices have been climbing steadily. My goal is simple: offer high-quality, authentic prints at reasonable prices. I'm picky about what I sell — I look for pieces that have been stored properly, kept flat, and are free from serious foxing, stains, or damage.
I'm based in Germany, which means EU buyers won't deal with any import duties or taxes. For US buyers, original artworks under HS code 9702 are duty-free as well. And wherever you are, I pack everything carefully with multiple layers of protection so your print arrives safely.
If you have questions about a piece, just reach out. You will get access to contact me once you've won an item from my lots.
Artist: Suzuki Harunobu (鈴木春信, c. 1725–1770)
Title: Two courtesans with haiku, from Ehon Seirō Bijin Awase 絵本青楼美人合 (Picture Book of Beauties of the Green Houses)
Technique: Woodblock print, full colour (nishiki-e), book illustration
Date: Japan, 1770 (Meiwa 7), Edo period
Format: Two single pages from the bound book, offered together; together approx. [22 × 26 cm]
_______________________________________________________
Condition
These prints have many issues including mild soiling, fading and toning! Please check the images carefully before bidding! Sold as Antique!
_______________________________________________________
About the print
Ehon Seirō Bijin Awase is Harunobu's largest work and one of the finest colour-printed books of the Edo period. It appeared in 1770, the year of his death. Harunobu was the leading artist of the Meiwa era and played a key role in the arrival of full-colour woodblock printing in the mid-1760s. The British Museum, citing Lawrence Smith, describes the book as one of the earliest masterpieces of the full colour-printed woodblock book in Japan.
The five volumes portray 166 courtesans of the Yoshiwara, Edo's licensed pleasure quarter. Each page shows one courtesan, together with her name, the house where she worked and a haiku. The volumes are arranged by the season of their poems: cherry blossoms, the cuckoo, the moon, autumn leaves and snow. Harunobu's name does not appear in the colophon, but the preface mentions him, and the book has always been attributed to him.
These two pages come from a disbound copy of the book. Sheets from Seirō Bijin Awase are held by the British Museum, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the National Diet Library in Tokyo.
Seller's Story
I've been collecting Japanese woodblock prints for quite a while now — everything from classic ukiyo-e to shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga. What started as a personal passion eventually turned into something more, and these days I source prints from auctions, galleries, and private collections across Japan and Europe.
With growing worldwide interest in Japanese woodblock prints, gallery prices have been climbing steadily. My goal is simple: offer high-quality, authentic prints at reasonable prices. I'm picky about what I sell — I look for pieces that have been stored properly, kept flat, and are free from serious foxing, stains, or damage.
I'm based in Germany, which means EU buyers won't deal with any import duties or taxes. For US buyers, original artworks under HS code 9702 are duty-free as well. And wherever you are, I pack everything carefully with multiple layers of protection so your print arrives safely.
If you have questions about a piece, just reach out. You will get access to contact me once you've won an item from my lots.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Edo Period (1600-1868)
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Height
22 cm
Width
26 cm
Title of artwork
Suzuki Harunobu · Ehon Seirō Bijin Awase 1770 · Two courtesans of the Yoshiwara · Early full-colour
Condition
Fair condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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