This is a Japanese woodblock print by Kitagawa Utamaro called "The Widow of Asahiya" or "The Widow of Hinodeya". She has just stepped out of the bath and is drying her face. At the top left is a cartouche with a rising sun which refers to Hinodeya (The Rising Sun Shop), possibly owned by her deceased husband. The lock of hair beneath the game board in the cartouche gives rise to the word "widow."

The sheet measures 15-3/8" high x 10-3/8" wide. There is a signature at the center and lower right. The artist lived from 1753-1806 and produced the original about 1795-96. This particular print comes from a later edition, probably around 1920 or so.

The condition is very good. There are no tears, and the image has not been glued down. There is a minor crease on the upper right corner.

I have many other vintage Japanese woodblocks by various artists. Please feel free to inquire.

Art (paintings, prints, frames)
Asian Art