Utamaro Woodblock Print Value Guide

This exquisite woodblock print by Kitagawa Utamaro represents the pinnacle of the bijin-ga genre, capturing the grace of the 'floating world' through a woman reading a letter. Produced between 1790 and 1800, Utamaro's mastery of line and delicate subject matter made him a central figure in the Japonisme movement that captivated Western artists.

What Is Utamaro Woodblock Print Worth?

The typical price range for Utamaro Woodblock Print is $300 - $500 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the paper, specifically the presence of foxing, fading from UV exposure, or previous trimming of the margins.
• The specific edition or state of the print, as later 19th-century restrikes are valued lower than lifetime editions from 1790-1800.
• The vibrancy of the original pigments, particularly the fugitive organic dyes that are prone to fading over time.
• Provenance and framing quality, ensuring the materials used are acid-free to preserve the current $300-$500 valuation.

How to Identify Utamaro Woodblock Print?

• Look for the distinctive 'bijin-ga' style characterized by elongated facial features and elegant, flowing garment lines.
• Verify the presence of the artist's signature, typically reading 'Utamaro hitsu', integrated into the composition.
• Examine the paper for signs of age-appropriate wear and the specific texture of traditional Japanese handmade paper used in the late 18th century.
• Check for the quality of the woodblock ink saturation, which should show subtle tonal variations rather than flat, modern digital consistency.

History of Utamaro Woodblock Print

Kitagawa Utamaro was a master of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art popular from the 17th to 19th centuries. Ukiyo-e translates to 'pictures of the floating world' and often depicted subjects like kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers, landscapes, and beautiful women. Utamaro was particularly renowned for his bijin-ga, or 'pictures of beautiful women,' capturing their grace and elegance with exquisite detail. His work significantly influenced Western artists during the Japonisme movement.