1963 After Harunobu "The Belle of the Tea House", Full-Color Print From Japan

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A stunning full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "The Belle of the Tea House" by Harunobu (died on … Read more A stunning full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "The Belle of the Tea House" by Harunobu (died on the 15th of June in 1770 in downtown Edo, former name of Tokyo). Comes from a rare Collection of 24 Masterpieces by Harunobu. Produced & published by Shuei-Sha, Tokyo, in December 1963. Printers: Toppan Printing Co., LTD. Printed on one side. Attached at the top to a board of heavy textured paper, covered with lighter sheet of paper for protection, numbered 3 on the label on the front of the cover. Excellent condition - minor edge wear on the board and cover, never framed, ready to be framed. Copy of commentaries (below) in Japanese and English is included.

Overall (folded) 12.55"W x 18.20"H
Overall (unfolded) 25"W x 18.20"H
Image 8.10"W x 10.76"H

Commentaries on the piece by Ukiyo-e Art consultants & editors Dr. Kiyoshi Shibui and Mr. Sadao Kikuchi:

Harunobu: Signed
Printer: Unsigned
In the possession of Mr. Seizo Ota

The heroine of this picture is most famed of the tea house belles - O'Sen of Kasamori Inari. The Inari temple where the god of Harvest is enshrined, was the favorite spot of pilgrimage for the Edoites on whom Buddhism was losing its grip as a serious religion by then. Patronage of the Inari was most in fashion during the Horeki era (1751-1764). The presence of the Inari temple and O'Sen, the beautiful daughter of the tea house, was no doubt the combined force to attract the Edoites to Kasamori in the outskirts of Edo.

Patronizing teahouse belles was entirely a different proposition for them from frequenting the gay quarters or Oka-basho, the public rendez-vous houses fashionable then. As non-professional, the tea-house belle had more personal charm and, like all beauties of the world, exercised the levelling power over the men. The inscribed words at the top of the sheet represent the anxious thought of an aspiring lover not yet sure of his success. See less