###? AUTHENTIC ORIGINAL – NOT A REPRODUCTION? This is a genuine 19th-century Japanese woodblock print (ukiyo-e) from the Late Edo to Early Meiji period ca. 1850s-1860s, printed from original carved woodblocks during the artist’s lifetime. This is NOT a modern reproduction, reprint, or poster. ### DISTINGUISHED PROVENANCE: THE OWEN LATTIMORE COLLECTION. Leading Expert on China and Central Asia: Lattimore was a renowned Orientalist, author, and educator who spent his formative years in China and traveled extensively throughout Mongolia, Manchuria, and Inner Asia during the 1920s-1930s. Presidential Advisor: Served as advisor to Chiang Kai-shek and Director of Pacific Operations for the U. Office of War Information during WWII. Lattimore’s deep knowledge and appreciation of Asian culture informed his collecting activities. Provenance from such a distinguished scholar significantly enhances the historical and collectible value of this print. His papers are preserved in the Library of Congress and his Asian art collection reflects his scholarly expertise and refined taste. Title: Beauty Holding a Mask. Format: Kakemono-e – Vertical Diptych. Artist: Utagawa Yoshikazu , active ca. Signature: Ichijusai Yoshikazu ga – visible in upper right. Block Cutter/Publisher Mark: (Cho) [possibly Hori Cho]. Date: Circa 1850s-1860s (Late Edo to Early Meiji period). Size: 64 × 22 cm (25.2 × 8.7 inches). Composition: Two joined oban sheets creating the rare kakemono-e format. While Yoshikazu is best known for his Yokohama-e (prints depicting foreigners) and warrior prints, bijin-ga (beauty pictures) in the kakemono-e format are considerably rarer in his oeuvre, making this work particularly desirable for collectors. This print exhibits all characteristics of an authentic original Edo period woodblock print. Original woodblock printing from artist’s lifetime. Hand-carved and hand-printed using traditional methods. Period-appropriate paper with age-consistent yellowing. Authentic artist signature and seals. Two-sheet construction characteristic of kakemono-e format. Period inks showing natural aging patterns. Historical provenance from renowned scholar’s collection. Modern reproductions cannot replicate the texture, paper quality, ink absorption, and aging characteristics visible in this authentic 19th-century print. The print shows age-appropriate characteristics consistent with a 160+ year old work. Overall good structural integrity with both sheets joined. Natural yellowing/oxidation of paper consistent with period. Colors retain reasonable vibrancy. Some visible aging at join line. No major tears or losses. Professional conservation could enhance display quality while preserving authenticity. ### INVESTMENT & COLLECTIBILITY. Authentic original from artist’s lifetime. Rare kakemono-e format. Distinguished Owen Lattimore provenance. Student of master artist Kuniyoshi. Uncommon bijin-ga subject for this artist. Historical and scholarly significance. Serious ukiyo-e collectors seeking authenticated originals. Institutions building Japanese art collections. Collectors of works with distinguished provenance. Scholars of Utagawa school prints. Investors in appreciating Asian art assets. QUESTIONS WELCOME: I’m happy to provide additional photographs or information about this exceptional piece of Japanese art history. Don’t miss this opportunity to own an authentic 19th-century Japanese masterwork from one of the 20th century’s most distinguished Asian scholars’ personal collection!
