Katsushika Hokusai 葛飾北斎 (Japan, 1760-1849) Two samurai with their katana A rare aizuri-e / Prussian blue oban tata-e woodblock print Dimensions (the leaf): 46 x 25,7 cm Provenance: A large collection of 100+ Japanese woodblock prints, properties from a French collector. Notes: Katsushika Hokusai is recognized as one of the major ukiyo-e painters and printmakers of the Edo period. Born in Edo, he is best-known as author of the woodblock print series ‘Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji’ which includes the iconic and internationally recognized print, ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa’. Despite our thorough research, we have not been able to find a print identical to the one we present under that lot number. 3. The term aizuri-e (藍摺絵), lit. ‘blue printed picture’, refers to Japanese woodblock prints that are printed entirely or predominantly in blue. The development of that technique was associated with the import of the pigment Prussian blue from Europe in the 1820s. Prussian blue had a number of advantages over indigo blue: it was more vivid, had greater tonal range and was more resistant to fading. NOTE: CONDITION REPORTS AND MEASUREMENTS It is up to the bidder to satisfy themselves prior to buying as to the condition of a lot. In relation to Condition Reports, whilst we make certain observations on the lot, which are intended to be as helpful as possible, references in the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. The condition report is an expression of opinion only and must not be treated as a statement of fact. Measurements and weight are approximate and the potential bidder may re-ask it to be checked when asking for a condition report.