Lot Essay
Other impressions are in K. Shibui, Ukiyo-e Zuten, Utamaro (Tokyo 1964), p.57 and in Jack Hillier, Japanese prints and drawings from the Vever Collection (London 1976), Vol. II, p. 401
Details
UTAMARO (1754-1806): oban tate-e, 37.2 x 25.9cm., head and shoulders of the singer Tomimoto Itsutomi with a fan with the mon of Takashimaya from the series Gonin bijin aikyo kurabe 'A competition of five charming beauties', a roundel at upper left giving the girl's name in rebus, signed Shomei (the genuine) Utamaro hitsu, published by Omiya, the collector's seal of Hayashi Tadamasa--good impression, faded, slightly soiled and stained