HEROINE MATSUKAZA by Hiromitsu Nakazawa~Japanese Woodblock 1923 Pearl Diver

Description

The HEROINE
MATSUKAZA
by
Hiromitsu Nakazawa (1874-1964)
An Original Dai-Oban Woodblock Print
c. 1922/1923
Seal, Carver/Printer - Yamagishi Kazue & Nishimura Kumakichi
(PHOTOS NOT ENHANCED IN ANYWAY)
This is an original Woodblock Print of the Shin Hanga era, one of an eighteen print set of Originals that were a Supplement to the rare, multi-volume 1923 publication of the plays by a revered 17th century Japanese playwright, "Chikamatsu Zenshu," (The Complete Works of Chikamatsu.)  This gentleman was considered “on the continent,” to have been the Shakespeare of the East.
The print is in Very Good condition, nice bokashi and shading, with a few foxing spots that are barely distinguishable on close exam. Modest age toning seems likely considering the age of the print, however,  no soil, fading, wrinkles or creases. In optimum condition, at nearly 100 years age, there is no indication that this print has ever been shown or framed.
The sheet is Dai-Oban size, 11" x 18" with an image area of 9" x 12 1/2".  In addition to the dedicated image area, similar to several of this series, this design includes a grayish boarder, similar to boarders often found on scrolls.    The print displays an identification stamp in the lower right corner.
The HEROINE MATSUKAZE,  is one of the Bijinga category of Japanese art, in translation, "pictures of beautiful women." She represents Chikamatsu Zenshu's mermaid-heroine in the play "Matsukaze Musume Sokutai Kagami." Utilizing wonderful aqua shadings, this lovely lady of the lower reef-world portrays the ultimate, age-old Mariner's fantasy of the perfect half-woman, half-fish sea creature.  Likely the most alluring of the Chikamatsu/Nakuzawa series, printed in conservative numbers only, today at nearly 100 years age, this lovely HEROINE is both a Rare and unique piece.  Languishing in her undersea Asian kingdom, this awabi (pearl) diver is both fascinating and unforgettable to young or old alike.
USPS Priority Mail Delivery, securely packed to prevent shipping damage, USPS Priority International Mail Delivery by the pound/kil to 180 countries worldwide.
Mandarin Books Hawaii
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