Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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A poem by Fujiwara no Yoshitaka (954-974) from Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki, the “Hundred Poems Explained by the Wet Nurse.” Published by Eijudo and Iseri, c 1835-6. Although obviously intended to be a set of 100 prints, only 27 are known plus drawings for others. The poet speaks of a trivial life prior to meeting his lover. Two women and their companions relax after a bath admiring the view across water. Steam rises from the bath and two cormorants are seen on the left. A languid scene and one of Hokusai’s most beautiful designs.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Full size. Two states are known: the printers quickly discovered that the red seal at left was not easily discernable and cut the green block to correct this. Signed Zen Hokusai.
Status: Sold