Picture Book of a Hundred Birds (Ehon Momochidori 絵本百千鳥) – Complete Set of 15 Ukiyo-e Reprints - Kitagawa Utamaro (喜多川歌麿) - Japan

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【Product details】

This elegant publication reproduces in full Utamaro’s Ehon Momochidori (“Picture Book of a Hundred Birds”), originally issued in Kansei 2 (1790) as a kyōka (comic verse) picture book. The set contains all 15 woodblock prints, hand-printed in the traditional manner by Yuyudo Publishing around the 1980s–1990s.

Utamaro’s Ehon Momochidori is renowned for its refined depictions of birds and flowers combined with kyōka poetry by contemporary poets. Each scene harmonises delicate linework, graceful colour gradations, and lyrical verse, embodying the poetic and naturalistic sensitivity characteristic of Utamaro’s mature period.

Each woodblock print is individually placed (not fixed) within a paper mat and housed in a titled paper folder. The entire collection is contained in a blue cloth-covered case with ribbon ties, accompanied by a Japanese text commentary booklet written by art historian Yamaguchi Keizaburō (Meiji University, specialist in Japanese art history).

The impressions, carving, and colouring are of excellent quality, faithfully preserving the subtle elegance of the Edo-period originals.

Condition: The set of 15 woodblock prints is complete and includes the outer case, inner folders, and explanatory booklet. Most prints are in excellent condition with vivid colours and crisp impressions. Two or three prints show faint stains, and one has a slight crease. One paper frame is missing. Please refer to the photos for details.

Now out of print and long unavailable from the publisher, this reprint edition is a rare and valuable complete set representing one of Utamaro’s most exquisite woodblock-printed works.

Dimensions of Hard Case: approx. H 55.5 cm W 37 cm D 5.5 cm
Dimensions of Print: approx. H 48 cm W 26.5 cm

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・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!