Kitagawa Utamaro is renowned as a master of Bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women).
This piece is a faithful reproduction of his masterpiece series, ‘Comparing the Charms of Five Beauties’.
It was recreated by skilled modern artisans under the supervision of the Ota Memorial Museum of Art—the only institution in the world to possess the complete set of original drawings.
Admire the alluring female figures who led the fashions of their era, alongside the playful hanji-e (pictorial puzzles).
Of particular note is the kewari (a technique for carving strands of hair), which showcases the technical mastery of both the carver and printer.
Note 1: This product has been recognised as a Traditional Craft Product designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and as a Tokyo Traditional Craft under the Edo Woodblock Prints brand.
The brand creates traditional multi-colour woodblock prints using techniques and methods that have remained unchanged since the Edo period.
Note 2: As each item is produced entirely by hand, actual dimensions may vary by approximately 1 cm from those listed.
We appreciate your understanding.
Takahashi Kobo
https://takahashi-kobo.com/english/
Founded during the Ansei period (1854-1860), Takahashi Kobo has been making woodblock prints for approximately 160 years, since the Edo period (1603-1867). Originally working as Surishi (the artisans who colour the woodblocks and print the final image) on Edo woodblock prints, the Takahashi family began publishing prints after their fourth generation took over. "The work of woodblock printing is the root of Japanese printing. From temple school textbooks to ukiyo-e prints and wrapping paper, Japanese printing has always been supported by the technique of woodblock printing," says Yukiko Takahashi, the sixth generation of the Takahashi family.
During the Edo period, ukiyo-e prints served the purpose of informative magazines. For example, in the image of a beautiful woman, fashion trends of the time such as the design of the kimono and furniture, hairstyle, and hand fan, were all depicted in meticulous detail. The artistic value of ukiyo-e is such that it is now recognized globally.
Currently, Takahashi Kobo prints a wide variety of themes using woodblock, from traditional ukiyo-e to modern art. Furthermore, Takahashi produces merchandise sold at museum exhibitions and also holds lectures, demonstrations, and workshops by artisans at museums and schools. Such initiatives, which give new life to the culture of Edo woodblock prints by sharing and experiencing of the history and techniques associated them, have been highly popular and more and more offers have been coming from overseas recently, such as from Paris and London.
However, Takahashi says, "Ukiyo-e prints remain the base of woodblock prints. As we make use of this rich tradition and culture, I would like to use all five senses to capture current trends, embody them, and use them to produce works that suit contemporary lifestyles."
