Edo Art

No. 45, View of Akasaka from "Comical Views of Famous Places in Edo" Woodblock Whimsical woodblock print by Utagawa Hirokage (Japanese, active 1855–1865). Four people are sitting on...

Two minor villains from "Medley of Tales of Revenge" square off, as performed at the Kiri theatre, Tokyo, in May of 1794. Toyko: Tsutaya Juzaburo, 1794. Woodblock (nishiki-e) with ...

"Various Himochi" Wagashi Festival Japanese Woodblock Print by Utagawa Toyokuni Rare oversized early 19th century 5-tiered woodblock by Utagawa Ichiyosai Toyokuni, (Japan, 1769-1825), a Japanese lord and wife oversee a sekku festival of food, music, and dolls or toys. '"oshi" is the first day of “Mi (Snake)” in the third month of the lunar calendar. This day, known in modern Japan as the Girls' Festival, originated in China as a form of purification ceremony in which water and drinking peach blossom wine were used to drive away evil. Many kinds of hishi-mochi appear in this picture of hina ningyo (dolls associated with Hinamatsuri, or the Girl’s Day) from Omochae. The custom of eating special dishes at events throughout the year and at milestones in people's lives has existed since ancient times. This paragraph specifically focuses on the annual event called sekku, and life events that involve eating sweets. Joshi is the first day of “Mi (Snake)” in the third month of the lunar calendar. This day, known in modern Japan as the Girls' Festival, originated in China as a form of purification ceremony in which water and drinking peach blossom wine were used to drive away evil. According to the Keiso saijiki, in ancient China, on the third day of the third lunar month, people ate “ryuzetsuhan,” which is the juice of gogyo (Jersey cudweed) mixed with rice flour and nectar. In Japan, there is a record in the Heian period history book Nihon Montoku tenno jitsuroku [839-5] that it was an annual event to make kusamochi using gogyo on the third day of the third month of the lunar calendar, which may have been influenced by Chinese customs. The tradition of eating kusamochi on the third day of the third month of the lunar calendar continued after that. By the Edo period, however, hishimochi had come to be used as a sweet to serve on the third day of the third month. A picture of a hishimochi is included in the Morisada manko , which we mentioned in Part 1. According to it, hishimochi in the Edo period were often three layers of green-white-green instead of the now common red-white-green. However, it is possible to see from our collection that not all hishimochi were made in this way. Omochae published in 1857, is a good example. Omochae is a type of ukiyoe print...

"House Cleaning in Preparation for the New Year" - Japanese Woodblock on Paper House cleaning scene by Kitagawa Utamaro (Japanese, 1753-1806). This print was originally published around 1796-1799, with this example being a later reprint. The full scene is five sheets - there are two more sheets to the right that show more members of the house. However, it is these three sheets that contain the majority of the action - a maid sweeping at a mouse, a lady fainting, and a painting moved aside to allow for cleaning. Presented in a new black mat. Mat size: 24"H x 38"W Paper size: 17.75"H x 33"W Print Impression: 14.63"H x 29.5"W Utamaro Kitagawa...

Laughing Monks and Soldiers - Mid 19th Century Japanese Ink Drawing Lively ink drawing showing monks and soldiers laughing, jumping, and dancing. The monks stand in a group to the l...

Japan: circa 1770. Woodcut on cream laid paper, 7 1/4 x 2 1/2 inches (182 x 63 mm), narrow margins. Laid down to non-archival board with scattered soiling and some adhesive staining...

Actor Iwai Shigaku as Somenoi in "Denka chaya adauchi" (Revenge at the Denka Teahouse), by Shigeharu, Ryusai (also called Kuniyoshi) Tokyo: Horie Ichiba Wataki, 1835. Woodcut on la...

"Plovers at Tamagawa" from "Six Jewel Rivers" - Woodblock Print on Paper This print, sometimes titled "Chidori No Tamagawa" "Plovers at Tamagawa", is from the series Mu Tamagawa ("Six Views of Tama River", also known as "Six Jewel Rivers" or "Six Crystal Rivers") by Kubo Shunman...

"Candy Seller" (飴売りうずまつ 市村羽左衛門) Japanese Woodblock on Rice Paper This piece depicts Ichimura Uzaemon as the Candy Peddler Uzumatsu. He is playing a stringed instrument (the shamisen) to attract people to come buy canbdy. The spiral on his clothing is the symbol of the candy seller, along with his crest of the mandarin orange. This Utagawa Yoshiiku print, titled "Umegoyomi mitate hachi shojin" (梅暦見立八笑人), depicts a scene from the Edo period. The print features a prominent male figure playing a shamisen, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument. The text on the print is in Japanese, and the overall style is characteristic of Ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese woodblock prints. Utagawa Yoshiiku was a significant artist of the Meiji era, known for his contributions to woodblock printmaking. He was a student of Utagawa Kuniyoshi and worked alongside Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. His works often portray historical events, scenes from Kabuki plays, and contemporary life. This print, in particular, showcases the artist's skill in capturing the details of clothing, facial expressions, and the musical instrument. Presented in a new blue mat with foam core backing. Mat size: 18"H x 14"W Paper size: 16"H x 12"W Born the son of teahouse proprietor Asakusa Tamichi in 1833, Utagawa Yoshiiku (also known as Ochiai Yoshiiku) became a student of ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi toward the end of the 1840s. His earliest known work dates to 1852 when he provided the backgrounds to some actor prints by his master. Yoshiiku's earliest works were portraits of actors (yakusha-e), beauties (bijin-ga), and warriors (musha-e). He later followed Kuniyoshi into making satirical and humorous pieces, and became the leading name in the field after Kuniyosh's death in 1861. He illustrated the Tokyo Nichi Nichi...

Mitate of a Daimyo's Procession Crossing Ryogoku Bridge - Woodblock Print Woodblock print of a procession by Keisai Eisen (Japanese, 1790–1848). Terrific triptych of a procession of...

Three Beauties under a maple tree from the series "A Contest of Fashionable Beauties of the Gay Quarters". The woodblock print is printed on rice paper....

Actor Arashi Rikan II as Aburaya Yohei - Figurative Woodblock Print on Paper Woodblock print of kabuki actor by Shunbaisai Hokuei (Japanes...

The present work is an excellent example of the erotic Shunga prints produced by Utagawa 'Ando' Hioshige and his school. Shunga imagery became especially widespread in Japan with the...

"Sun Saburo Matsugaya" - Mid 19th Century Figurative Japanese Woodblock Print Beautiful mid 19th century figural Japanese woodblock print of a seated man with lilies in the background by Utagawa Toyokuni III (Kunisada) (Japanese, 1786-1864/5). Artist's chop is in the lower right corner of the piece. The actor is Magosaburo Matsugaya from the play "Katakiuchi Rumors" Presented in a new grey-blue mat with foamcore backing. Mat size: 21"H x 16"W Paper size: 14"H x 9.75"W During his lifetime Kunisada Utagawa...

Study of Utagawa Hiroshige's "View of Hara-Juku" 53 Stations of the Tokaido Road Hand painted study of Utagawa Hiroshige's "View of Hara-Juku", (by unknown artist), from "53 Station...

One Hundred Prints Of The Noh - 1925 Original Japanese Woodblock Print Original Japanese woodblock print by Tsukioka Kogyo (Japanese, 1869...

Title: The Heroine Umekawa in "Meido no Kiyaku" Medium: Color woodcut with mica background, silver metallic pigment, and "gofun" for the snow effect Date Of Execution: 1923 Dimension...

Scribe and Personal Assistant to the Shogun - Japanese Woodblock Print on Paper Detailed woodblock print by an unknown artist, In the style of Suzuki Harunobu. There are two women i...

Bijin-ga Series XVII (nº 17) Title: Love for a farmer´s wife Sensual portrait of a young and beautiful farmer´s wife. Her cheerful and careless gesture, showing her chest between the open folds of the neckline of his humble dress; the strands of hair falling on her temples, and her smiling gesture denote the state of happiness enjoying love, in a well-deserved break from her hard work. This image is part of the bijin-ga series (“Pretty women”) drawn by Mario BGil, based in the Kitigawa Utamaro woodblock...

Japanese Woodblock print of a Biensennyo-ko a powder face women. Behind the women is a framed cityscape. The print is possibly from the series "Eight Favorite Things in the Modern World". The woodblock print is printed on rice paper. The print is not framed. Artist Biography: Keisai Eisen...

The present work is an excellent example of the erotic Shunga prints produced by Utagawa 'Ando' Hioshige and his school. Shunga imagery became especially widespread in Japan with the...

LOVE FOR A STREET-WALKER Crayon, graphite, pencil on paper. Measurements: (H) 76 x (W) 56 cm. Attractive portrait of an Edo prostitute hurrying through the streets. She wears a black kimono over layers of colored kimono, tucking her hand into the "obi" at her waist. A white scarf is draped over her head, the edge caught between her teeth, and loose wisps of hair framed her face. There is an impressive contrast between the black kimono and the yellow-orange of collars, sleeves and "obi", balancing the composition the pastel pink of the scarf that covers her head. This image is part of the "bijin-ga" series, Pretty Women, drawn by Mario BGil, based in the Kitigawa Utamaro woodblock print "Love for a street-walker" (1795), 37,2 x 24,6 cm. The British Musem. London, UK. The artist reproduces the seal of the censor (Kiwame) and from the original publisher ("Tsutaya", climbing leaf)), between the two, the signature of Mario BGil written in Japanese, with the date 14 (2014). The mesaurements of the drawing are 76 x 56 cm. (29,92 x 22,05 in.), with a painted surface of 67 x 49,5 cm. With his work on the "bijing-ga" series, Mario BGil wanted to embellish, give brilliance and volume to the images presented by japanese artist Kitigawa Utamaro in those beautiful engravings, ennobled with the patina of time, which have served as inspiration. The result obtained is almost life-size portraits, endowed with strong chromaticism and valuable contrasts, all enhanced, in turn, with the volume provided by the weight and rigidity of the paper, and its thick texture (Fabriano Artistico “grana grosso”, 640g/m2; the thickness and hardness of the paper makes it necessary to transport it without rolling). In this way, Mario BGil pays tribute to his admired artist and offers us a new and enriched vision of this popular facet of oriental art from the 18th and 19th centuries. ABOUT THE ARTIST Mario BGil is a self-taught artist who for years has combined his creative activity with his work in the family business, away from commercial art galleries. In 2012, a deep interest in oriental art was awakened in him and he began to study the great masters of Japanese Ukiyo-e prints, who had such an influence on the European avant-garde of the late 19th century. The discovery of Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806), a key figure in the metropolitan culture of Edo (now Tokyo), and a point of reference in the history of Japanese engraving...

Signed: Harunobu ga Series: Series: Eight Fashionable Parlor Views (Furyu zashiki hakkei)? Format Japanese: chuban Provenance: Private Collection, Philadelphia Collection of McCleaf ...

Shichirigahama, Sagami Province. A beauty in the foreground waves to her young companions, who run towards her on the beach. The beauty at left wears a western-style golden ring. We ...

Japanese woodblock print of a woman kneeling by the river. She is holding a stick making it appear like she is fishing with it. The woodblock print is printed on rice paper. The print is not framed. Artist Biography: Utagawa Kuniyasu...

"Sun, Moon and Stars". Three beauties enjoy a full moon on the veranda of a teahouse or restuarant. The woman on the left kneels and adjusts her lavishly printed kimono. The beauty in the center has her hair down, and behind her is a screen against which shadows are beautifully silhouetted, which adds an air of mystery. The seated woman on the right is perhaps a geisha, as we see a shamisen lying next to her. Before her is a tray with an assortment of foods. One may surmise that the beauties are being compared to the sun, the moon, and the stars. On the left we glimpse a full moon shining over the peaceful bay, and boats at harbor. Original first edition Japanese color woodblock print triptych...

Sumi ink drawing, c. 1928 Signed in the lower right corner (see detail) Original illustration for the novel "Gunmo" (Hoi Polloi or Blind and Foolish Masses), volume 4 in the "Complete Works of Burafu Nakamura." Nakamura, a popular Japanese novelist and playwright, lived from 1886-1949. Framed in acid free rag matting, OP3 Acrylic and a rounded corner metal leaf frame Sight size: 6-3/4 x 5-3/8" Frame size: 14-5/8 x 12-5/8 x 3/4" Shinsui Itō...

WOMAN READING A LETTER Three-quarter portrait of an Edo period Japanese courtesan caught reading a letter. Her clothing is simple: an inner pink kimono peeks out from the collar and short sleeves of the outer gray kimono with black trim. The note of color is provided by the obi tied at the waist at the front, the ribbon around the bow and the light turquoise background. This image is part of the bijin-ga series (“Pretty women”) drawn by Mario BGil, based in the Kitigawa Utamaro woodblock print “Woman reding a letter” (1792-17993). The artist reproduces also the seal of the censor (Kiwame) and the original publisher's seal (Tsutaya, climbing leaf), as it appears in the woodblock print used as a model; between the two, the signature of Mario BGil written in Japanese, with the date 14 (2014). The measurements of the woodblock print are 37,2 x 24,5 cm., the drawing made by Mario BGil is 76 x 56 cm. / 29,92 x 22.05 in. With his work on the bijing-ga series, Mario BGil wanted to embellish, give brilliance and volume to the images presented by japanese artist Kitigawa Utamaro in those beautiful engravings, ennobled with the patina of time, which have served as inspiration. The result obtained is almost life-size portraits, endowed with strong chromaticism and valuable contrasts, all enhanced, in turn, with the volume provided by the weight and rigidity of the paper, and its thick texture (Fabriano Artistico “grana grosso”, 640g/m2); the thickness and hardness of the paper makes it necessary to transport it without rolling). In this way, Mario BGil pays tribute to his admired artist and offers us a new and enriched vision of this popular facet of oriental art from the 18th and 19th centuries. ABOUT THE ARTIST Mario BGil is a self-taught artist who for years has combined his creative activity with his work in the family business, away from commercial art galleries. In 2012, a deep interest in oriental art was awakened in him and he began to study the great masters of Japanese Ukiyo-e prints, who had such an influence on the European avant-garde of the late s...

This folding screen is a stunning example of Japanese artistry. Beautifully painted with delicate brushwork, the evocative screen depicts a lively festival during the Edo period (1615–1912). The raucous scene is full of life; within the dense crowd, you can make out people dancing...

Bijin-ga series XXIX (Nº 29) Title: Bijin Ôkubi Upper torso portrait of a Japanese beauty, depicted with a graceful hand gesture and an ornate headdress. Her soft round features contrast with the colourful sharp angles of the collars of her kimono. Her elongated oval face, straight nose and red butterfly lips are typical of the prototype of a beautiful woman, Bijin-ga. Her upper torso and face occupying the central section of the picture show a composition type that became known in time as Large-head pictures, or Okubi-e; compositions with which Utamaro became a model for generations of woodblock artists. This image is part of the Bijin-ga series (“Pretty women”) drawn by Mario BGil, based in the Kitigawa Utamaro woodblock print...

"Ichimura Hazaemon as Hatsuyumeya Mitsujiro" is a woodcut print by Toyoharu Kunichika in red, blue, and black. 14" x 9 1/2" art 20 3/4" x 16 3/4" framed From the series “First Per...

Bijing-Ga Series XII (Nº 12) Title: Reflective Love. Lovely portrait of a beauty looking over her shoulder. In Reflective Love (from the Utamaro...

A beauty turns to admire the Kirifuri Waterfall in Nikko Province. She holds the handle of an umbrella and wears fashionable clothing that is beautifully printed. This series pairs f...

Umewaka Shrine, from an untitled series of prints depicting Tokyo. A woman braces her umbrella against the rain and a man waits out the storm next to his jinriksha in this view of th...

Bijin-ga Series XXVI (Nº 26) Title: Hanaôgi of the Ôgiya House Hanaôgi, one of the most famous courtesans of the Edo period working in the Ôgiya House, an exclusive brothel in the Yoshiwara appears beautifully dressed holding a writing brush on her right hand and a decorated piece of paper in the shape of a “cartuche”, maybe to write a message of love for a client. This image is part of the bijin-ga series (“Pretty women”) drawn by Mario BGil, based in the Kitigawa Utamaro woodblock print...

“Hitomoto of The Daimonjiya in Kyô-Machi Itchôme” Hitomoto holds a bouquet of flowers looking to her left, with a surprised face, and with her mouth aj...

Bijin-ga Series XXXIV (Nº 34) Title: Miyahito of the Ôgiya Three quarter portrait of the elegant courtesan Miyahito of the Ôgiya House. This beautifully dressed japanese woman wears a solid grey outer robe, which contrasts with her soft rose kimono and the colored obi with an intricate geometric pattern. Her hair is arranged high atop her head, adorned with several hairpins. A classic Utamaro beauty print recreated with extraordinary taste and subtlety by Mario BGil in this delicate drawing. This image is part of the bijin-ga series (“Pretty women”) drawn by Mario BGil, based in the Kitigawa Utamaro woodblock print...

Beijing-ga Series XXX (nº 30) Title: “Takashimaohisa” Ohisa, along with Okita and Tomimoto Toyohina, were the three most famous beauties of the time. The first two were waitresses...

Bijin-ga Series I (Nº1) Title: Karagoto of The Chojiya Head and bust portrait of the beautiful courtesan Karagoto, of the Chojiya House, who appears looking to her left while drying her right ear with the sleeve of her yukata (a fine summer garment, normally made of cotton that was normally used after bathing). The wide sleeve falls from her ear covering her right breast and leaving the left one uncovered. This image is part of the bijin-ga series (“Pretty women”) drawn by Mario BGil, based in the Kitigawa Utamaro woodblock print...

Bijin-ga series II (nº 02) Title: “Hairdresser” The interest in this picture is focused on the hairstyles of both women, a hairdresser leaning forward with a bow of intense black color, arranging his client's especially long hair. The ways of gripping both the hair and the comb, making it slide through the ocher-scented kimono of the customer, decorated with sea stars, stand out. Highlighting with great detail the drawing of loose hair on the obi of white lines on a red background, and the kosode of plum color. This image is part of the Bijin-ga Series (“Pretty women”) drawn by Mario BGil, based in the Kitigawa Utamaro woodblock print "Hairdresser" (1798-1799), 39,8 x 26,8 cm. Museum of Fine Arts. Boston-USA. Utamaro drawn a series of twelve prints whose themes were related to the manual works of women, and this "Hairdresser" is one of them. Mario BGil reproduces the seal of the censor (Kiwame) and writes his own signature, Mario BGil, in Japanese, with the date 14 (2014). The mesaurements of the drawing are 76 x 56 cm. (29,92 x 22,05 in.), with a painted surface of 67 x 49,5 cm. With his work on the bijing-ga series, Mario BGil wanted to embellish, give brilliance and volume to the images presented by japanese artist Kitigawa Utamaro in those beautiful engravings, ennobled with the patina of time, which have served as inspiration. The result obtained is almost life-size portraits, endowed with strong chromaticism and valuable contrasts, all enhanced, in turn, with the volume provided by the weight and rigidity of the paper, and its thick texture (Fabriano Artistico “grana grosso”, 640g/m2; the thickness and hardness of the paper makes it necessary to transport it without rolling). In this way, Mario BGil pays tribute to his admired artist and offers us a new and enriched vision of this popular facet of oriental art from the 18th and 19th centuries. ABOUT THE ARTIST Mario BGil is a self-taught artist who for years has combined his creative activity with his work in the business world, away from commercial art galleries. Man of very diverse interests and great artistic sensitivity, studied Art History and in 2012, a deep interest in oriental art was awakened in him so that he began to study the great masters of Japanese Ukiyo-e prints, who had such an influence on the European avant-garde of the late 19th century. The discovery of Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806), a key figure in the metropolitan culture of Edo (now Tokyo), and a point of reference in the history of Japanese engraving...

SNOW, MOON AND FLOWERS OF THE ÔGIYA TEA HOUSE Head and shoulders portrait of a beautiful courtesan of the Ôgiya Tea House. With an attentive gesture, she brings her left hand behind her ear with delicate wrist and finger motion. This image is part of the bijin-ga series, “Pretty women”, drawn by Mario BGil, based in the Kitigawa Utamaro woodblock print “Snow, moon and flowers from the Ôgiya Tea House” (1793-1795). The tittle is a Japanese topic in art and design originating from a poem by Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi. It became popular in the late Edo used to describe serene beauty. The artist reproduces the seal of the censor (Kiwame) and from the original publisher (Tsutaya, climbing leaf)), as it appears in the woodblock print used as a model; between the two, the signature of Mario BGil written in Japanese, with the date 14 (2014). The mesaurements of the drawing are 76 x 56 cm., with a painted surface of 67 x 49,5 cm. (the woodblock print is 36,2 x 25,9 cm.). With his work on the bijing-ga series, Mario BGil wanted to embellish, give brilliance and volume to the images presented by japanese artist Kitigawa Utamaro in those beautiful engravings, ennobled with the patina of time, which have served as inspiration. The result obtained is almost life-size portraits, endowed with strong chromaticism and valuable contrasts, all enhanced, in turn, with the volume provided by the weight and rigidity of the paper, and its thick texture (Fabriano Artistico “grana grosso”, 640g/m2; the thickness and hardness of the paper makes it necessary to transport it without rolling). In this way, Mario BGil pays tribute to his admired artist and offers us a new and enriched vision of this popular facet of oriental art from the 18th and 19th centuries. ABOUT THE ARTIST Mario BGil is a self-taught artist who for years has combined his creative activity with his work in the family business, away from commercial art galleries. In 2012, a deep interest in oriental art was awakened in him and he began to study the great masters of Japanese Ukiyo-e prints, who had such an influence on the European avant-garde of the late XIX century. The discovery of Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806), a key figure in the metropolitan culture of Edo (now Tokyo), and a point of reference in the history of Japanese engraving...

Bijin-ga series XXV (Nº 25) Title: SOMENOSUKE OF THE MATSUBAYA Somenosuke of house Matsubaya, known as a youthful courtesan who quickly rose through the ranks of popularity is shown producing a concealed letter, glancing about to confirm she is indeed alone. The highlights of the drawing are the fine carving of the courtesan´s hair-line and the fine dress; an elegant kimono with vivid colors and intricate dessing. This image is part of the bijin-ga series (“Pretty women”) drawn by Mario BGil, based in the Kitigawa Utamaro woodblock print...

BIJIN-GA SERIES XVIII (Nº 18) Title: Obvious Love (Arawaruru Koi) This image is part of the bijin-ga series (“Pretty women”) drawn by Mario BGil, based in the Kitigawa Utamaro woodblock print Obvious Love (Arawaruru Koi) (1793-94); 38,8 x 26,2 cm.. Art Institute Chicago, USA. A sensual woman seems to care little that her kimono is open, exposing a breast. Her hair is in disarray , the hairpin at the front about to fall and she holds one of the hairpins in her left hand. She appears to be looking down outside the frame of the picture, perhaps in mid-conversation. The term “arawaruru” refers to a love so wholehearted that it expresses itself in the lover´s face and mannerisms. In the 1780's and 90's the publisher Tsutaya Juzaburo and the designer Kitagawa Utamaro worked together on the production of many woodblock prints, most of them of the bijin-ga type. One of their most popular productions was a set of images that purported to depict psychological classifications of women - 'fickle', 'interesting', etc.. Perhaps in response to this success, they then came up with something similar - a set of prints...

Bijing-Ga series XXVII (Nº 27) Title: Tomomoto Toyohina Tomimoto Toyohina was a much sought-after geisha (entertainer) who performed narrative ballads accompanied by the shamisen. She was one of several non-prostitute beauties, including teahouse waitresses, whom Utamaro depicted repeatedly in the early to mid 1790s. She appears here with a brush in hand, dressed and combed with simple elegance. This composition is from a six-print series comprising half-length portraits of famous beauties (Famous beauties of Edo). Utamaro elevated Tomimoto Toyohina to the status of one of the three most renowned beauties of her age (together with Okita and Ohisa). She was from a prominent family of musicians that provided entertainment in the Yoshiwara. Toyohina’s appeal undoubtedly was as much due to her appearance as to her skills in singing, and Utamaro’s celebration of her would have further elevated the status of an already well-known lineage. This image is part of the bijin-ga series (“Pretty women”) drawn by Mario BGil, based in the Kitigawa Utamaro woodblock print...

Portrait of the top-class courtesan Hanamurasaki elegantly combed, and dressed in a simple formal kimono and obi, adorned with symbols of her okiya. She is sitting on her knees in a graceful pose, stretching her arms forward and crossing her fingers with a delicate movement of the wrists. This image is part of the “bijin-ga series” (Pretty women) drawn by Mario BGil, based in the Kitigawa Utamaro woodblock print “Hanamurasaky of the Tamaya”, (from the series: “Array of supreme beauties of the Present Day”, 1794), 36,2 x 25 cm. Museum of Fine Arts. Boston, USA. The artist reproduces the seal of the censor (Kiwame) and from the original publisher ("Tsutaya", climbing leaf)), between the two, the signature of Mario BGil written in Japanese, with the date 14 (2014). The mesaurements of the drawing are 76 x 56 cm. (29,92 x 22,05 in.), with a painted surface of 67 x 49,5 cm. With his work on the "bijing-ga series", Mario BGil wanted to embellish, give brilliance and volume to the images presented by japanese artist Kitigawa Utamaro in those beautiful engravings, ennobled with the patina of time, which have served as inspiration. The result obtained is almost life-size portraits, endowed with strong chromaticism and valuable contrasts, all enhanced, in turn, with the volume provided by the weight and rigidity of the paper, and its thick texture (Fabriano Artistico “grana grosso”, 640g/m2; the thickness and hardness of the paper makes it necessary to transport it without rolling). In this way, Mario BGil pays tribute to his admired artist and offers us a new and enriched vision of this popular facet of oriental art from the 18th and 19th centuries. ABOUT THE ARTIST Mario BGil is a self-taught artist who for years has combined his creative activity with his work in the business world, away from commercial art galleries. Man of very diverse interests and great artistic sensitivity, studied Art History and in 2012, a deep interest in oriental art was awakened in him so that he began to study the great masters of Japanese Ukiyo-e prints, who had such an influence on the European avant-garde of the late 19th century. The discovery of Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806), a key figure in the metropolitan culture of Edo (now Tokyo), and a point of reference in the history of Japanese engraving...

Hanazuma, a beautiful high-class courtesan of the Hyôgaya House, appears sitting sideways on her legs, twisting a letter between her hands at the height of her heart. It is perhaps its message that makes her throw her head back with a beautiful turn of her entire body allowing us to contemplate the frontal details of her kimono and her obi, in green and orange, with beautiful ornaments. This image is part of the “bijin-ga” series (Pretty women) drawn by Mario BGil, based in the Kitigawa Utamaro woodblock print “Hanazuma of the Hyôgaya House”, (1794), 38,8 x 25,9 cm. The Japan Ukiyo-e Museum. Matsumoto, Japan. The artist reproduces the seal of the censor (Kiwame) and from the original publisher (“Tsutaya”, climbing leaf)), between the two, the signature of Mario BGil written in Japanese, with the date 14 (2014). The mesaurements of the drawing are 76 x 56 cm. (29,92 x 22,05 in.), with a painted surface of 67 x 49,5 cm. With his work on the bijing-ga series, Mario BGil wanted to embellish, give brilliance and volume to the images presented by japanese artist Kitigawa Utamaro in those beautiful engravings, ennobled with the patina of time, which have served as inspiration. The result obtained is almost life-size portraits, endowed with strong chromaticism and valuable contrasts, all enhanced, in turn, with the volume provided by the weight and rigidity of the paper, and its thick texture (Fabriano Artistico “grana grosso”, 640g/m2; the thickness and hardness of the paper makes it necessary to transport it without rolling). In this way, Mario BGil pays tribute to his admired artist and offers us a new and enriched vision of this popular facet of oriental art from the 18th and 19th centuries. ABOUT THE ARTIST Mario BGil is a self-taught artist who for years has combined his creative activity with his work in the business world, away from commercial art galleries. Man of very diverse interests and great artistic sensitivity, studied Art History and in 2012, a deep interest in oriental art was awakened in him so that he began to study the great masters of Japanese Ukiyo-e prints, who had such an influence on the European avant-garde of the late 19th century. The discovery of Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806), a key figure in the metropolitan culture of Edo (now Tokyo), and a point of reference in the history of Japanese engraving...

Bijin-ga series XXVIII (Nº 28) Title: Tatsumi Roko Portrait of Tatsumi Roko, a geisha of the pleasure quarters in the Edo period. The image belongs to the series Renowed Beauties Likened to the Six Inmortal Poets. The popular top-class geishas of the day , known as “oiran”, were depicted in this type of print. In ukiyo-e woodblock prints, this close-up portrait view of the upper body is known as an okubi-e (bust portrait). This image is part of the bijin-ga series (“Pretty women”) drawn by Mario BGil, based in the Kitigawa Utamaro woodblock print...

Bijin-ga series XXI (Nº 21) Title: The courtese Hinakoto of the Hyôgorô House of Edo The courtesan Hinakoto is depicted by smoking tobacco. She takes the pipe delicately in her left hand and, in her right hand, she seems to be holding a “uchiwa” (rigid hand fan) that comes out from the bottom of the drawing, decorated with written calligraphy. Some strands of hair that fall on her temple and her scant clothing show that the painter has surprised her in a relaxed moment in which she does not lose her elegance and slenderness. This image is part of the bijin-ga series (“Pretty women”) drawn by Mario BGil, based in the Kitigawa Utamaro woodblock print...

Bijing-ga Series XXII (Nº 22) Title: THE FLICKLE TYPE Upper half of the body of a woman in yukata (summer kymono) with part of her chest bare. Depicted just after a bath, she is turning her head and drying her hands with the towel hang on her shoulder. Her just-washed hair is tied around an ornate hairpin, the hair style called bai-mage (spiral-shell chignon). The unkempt hair of the nape and the movement of the hands one on the other are clear examples of Utamaro's mastery, who had an exceptionally observant eye for women. The Fickle ( or Fancy-free) Type is flirting with more than one member of the opposite sex This image is part of the bijin-ga series (“Pretty women”) drawn by Mario BGil, based in the Kitigawa Utamaro woodblock print...

Attributed to Ukita Ikkei (1795-1859) Hanging scroll painting of the American ship commanded by Commodore Matthew Perry in Uraga Bay, annotate...