AFTER Kitagawa Utamaro喜多川歌麿 (JAPAN, 1753-1806) Shunga / erotic subject Showa period Ōban tata-e woodblock reprint Dimensions (the leaf): 26,3 x 39,6 cm Provenance: A large collection of 100+ Japanese woodblock prints, properties from a French collector. Notes: A rare subject, that of a female diver for abalone shellfish (ama) observing with a mix of horror and fascination her companion being violated beneath the waves by two scaly river creatures known as kappa. Kitagawa Utamaro is one of the most highly regarded designers of ukiyo-ewoodblock prints and paintings, and is best known for his bijinōkubi-e ‘Large-headed pictures of beautiful women’ created in the of the 1790s. 3. Compare with a related print preserved in the collection of the British Museum, London, UK, under accession number OA+,0.133.1. Click HERE to see the related print. 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.