Artist: Kitagawa UTAMARO (1754-1806): a party of young beauties enjoying themselves at Enoshima beach. Original hand-printed woodblock. Date: Edo period: Circa 1800 Country of Origin: Japan
H 27” X W23” with frame H 16” X W12” ¾ Signature bottom left seal
Hello, this item is an authentic Edo-period woodblock print by Kitagawa Utamaro (1754–1806), produced circa 1800. The composition, depicting a group of women near a river or beach—possibly observing “oshidori” (Mandarin ducks), a traditional symbol of marital harmony—is consistent with Utamaro’s celebrated bijin-ga genre. The work is hand-printed using traditional techniques, with delicate pigment tones and balanced spatial composition. The presence of Utamaro’s signature and the certificate of antiquity issued by Hanlin Gallery in Hong Kong further confirm the print’s authenticity and age, placing it firmly within the artist’s lifetime or shortly thereafter.
Given its confirmed authenticity, subject matter, and good condition, this original woodblock print holds significant value among collectors of Japanese ukiyo-e. Works by Utamaro from the Edo period command strong results at auction and in private sales. A fair market estimate for this piece is $6,000 to $10,000 USD.