Ink on paper. Japan, 2nd half 18th cent.
Two rare drafts of woodblock prints from the wellknown series Ehon shiki no hana, “The Flowers of the Four Seasons”. A very delicate and finely executed ink brushwork showing the artist’s impressing mastery in creating features, hair and pleats of the long robes by fluent fine strokes. No wash. One sheet offers the aspect of two Bijin (beautiful courtesans), one is seated on a bamboo-bench and holding a fan, the other is carrying a child on her back. One Kamuro is seen standing next to them. The scene is set under a willow-tree, signifying sensuality. Further, there is seen a servant. The second sheet offers the view into a cabinet with many young maidens; their hair partly embellished with flowers. A Bijin is seen standing at the entrance, and a man is placed behind, holding a small drum (Ko-tsuzumi). Two Tancho (cranes, long-life symbol)
are hovering in the air above a pine-tree. Further there is offered a screen depicting a rock overgrown with blooming peonies.
SIZES CA. 19 x 27 AND 20 x 25 CM
From a German private collection