Okumura MASANOBU (1686-1764)

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Kanzake momiji-gari, “Heating Sake with Maple Leaves.” No. 9 from a set of 12 prints, the orihon being signed on the last design. The set parodies famous plays. A samurai, wearing a basket hat, approaches a group of three women seated below a maple tree while a young girl tends to a kettle being heated by maple leaves. Momiji-gari was an autumn fixture that involved visiting scenic spots to brew sake and enjoy and appreciate the autumn foliage. Published c early 1730s. Another impression is illustrated in The Clarence Buckingham Collection of Japanese Prints, AIC, 1955, no. 48, p. 133.

Fine impression. Light touches of hand-applied beni. Fine condition. (One can seldom catalogue such prints in this way as they are usually toned, wormed or damaged in other ways.)

Status: Sold