Utamaro - Embracing Komachi

 Kitagawa Utamaro Collection

Embracing Komachi (絵本小町引)

(Ehon-Picture Book) Komachi-biki)

FORMAT: A very rare book consisting of large format sheets of 12 illustrations with double-page preface; five double-pages of text, originally mounted as a folding album--fine impressions and color, centerfolds with top split. 25.2 x 37.6cm. each sheet approx.

DATE: ca1802

NOTE: Ehon Komachi-biki is the third of the three great sets of shunga prints by Utamaro, published after his early triumph with Utamakura (Poem of the Pillow; Shunga) and the Negai no itoguchi ねがいの糸口 (Threads Leading to Desire or Unravelling the Threads of Desire or Prelude to Desire). In the intervening years the artist’s style matured and became, if anything, even more voluptuous.

Overview of prints;