Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)

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Somen no taki, “The Wheat Noodle Waterfall.” From a set Nikkosan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.”Two travellers admire the fall from below. On a ledge above them is a stone statue of Jizo Bosatsu, the deity of travellers. From a set of five prints: It was probably intended to be a set of three prints but another two were added, possibly with the intention of going on to emulate Hokusai’s waterfall set. Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi (Eikyudo) c. 1843-47. In contrast to Hokusai’s set, Eisen’s have a more muscular appearance. See: The Japanese Print: A New Approach, J. Hillier, Bell & Son, 1960, Chapter XVI, where Jack Hillier discusses Eisen and his landscapes and considers this set “… is perhaps the crowning achievement of his career as a designer of landscape prints.”

Fine impression. (Late impressions are not known of this set, probably due to not having the popularity of Hokusai’s set.) Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen utsusu.

Status: Available