Circa 1867 Framed Japanese Geisha Woodblock

Dates to 1867 this framed Japanese woodblock print is of a Geisha.

By artists Kunisada II (1823-1880) and Gyosai (1831-1889), this piece is entitled “Musashiya Umekichi” (who was a famous Geisha).

This Meiji Ukiyo-e (subjects from everyday life) print was produced as the collaborative effort between artists Kunisada II (who painted the Geisha), and Kyosai (who painted the scenery). The contrast between the Geisha’s thin lines and the strong brushwork in the background is striking.

Utagawa Kunisada II headed the “Utagawa school” of art (one of the main schools of ukiyo-e). The art of Kawanabe Kyosai (also known as Gyosai) was better known in the west than the work of other Meiji artists. Kyosai authored and published his influential treatise on painting in 4 volumes, Kyosai Gadan (“Kyosai's Account of Painting”).

This woodblock print originally was released as a diptych and this framed piece is the upper half.

Measures 14.25" x 9.5"x 3"