The Interesting Type
by Utamaro 1 Kitagawa (1753-1806)

	Artist:	Utamaro 1 Kitagawa (1753-1806) — 喜多川歌麿
	Title:	The Interesting Type
	Series:	10 Types in the Physiognomic Study of Women
	Date of first edition?:	1792-1793
	Date of this artwork?:	1970 (may not be accurate)
	Publisher (first edition)?:	Tsutaya
	Publisher (this edition)?:	Takamizawa — 高見沢
	Medium (first edition):	Woodblock
	Medium (this edition):	Woodblock
	Format (first edition):	Oban
	Format (this edition):	Oban
	DB artwork code:	31086
	Notes (first edition)?:	Artist: Utamaro, Kitagawa, 1750-1806 Title: The Interesting Type Series: Ten Types in the Physiognomic Study of Women Date: 1792-1793 Medium: woodblock Dimensions: 15 x 10 inches Illustrated: Utamaro, pl. 56
	Notes (this edition)?:	The following information was taken from the original web listing of this artwork. Note that there may be some inaccuracies: Japanese Woodblock by Utamaro ‘Beauty Before Mirror’ Authentic mid-Showa era woodblock “re-strike” (that is, produced from re-carved blocks) by Japan’s early grandmaster of “ukiyo-e,” Utamaro (1753-1806) and published by Takamizawa Mokuhansha Publisher of Tokyo. (Takamizawa was well known for their very accurate reproductions of earlier “ukiyo-e” prints—in doing so, earning both the scorn and admiration of respected Watanabe Publisher’s founder, Shabur・Watanabe.) Scene is from among the series titled “Ten Studies in Female Physiognomy” (“Fujin Sogakku Juttai”) originally published in 1792-93 by Tsuta-ya Juzaburo Publishers. Takamizawa’s seals are seen on verso; with Kikuta Kojiro as carver and Sato Kanjiro as printer; along with the date of “Showa 45,” or 1970. Circa 1970. The printing quality and details of these Takamizawa “re-strikes” is outstanding, rivaling that of the early originals. Nice, subtle “bokashi” (gradation of color) shading throughout the green kimono, very finely carved details, and gauffrage (blind-printing or embossing) which adds real texture to the entire kimono. Also note—the entire print’s background is over-printed using “mica” imparting a sumptuous appearance to the final print. Condition is very good—some slight wrinkling—but print shows no signs of any prior mounting. Bright, fresh colors. Image measures 10" x 15" inches.