Yamamura Koka – Maiko (Toyonari Yamamura – Maiko)

Original woodblock print on Washi paper. The print for sale here is a first edition from ca. 1924.

Yamamura Koka (1885-1942) started as a painter but was noticed by famous woodblock print publisher Watanabe Shozaburo, who then published a number of prints of Yamamura Koka’s designs. After this more prints of Yamamura Koka were published by a society specifically created for this purpose by a group of supporters, or self-published with support by the society.

Yamamura Koka excelled at portraits and created many actor prints. The current print shows a Maiko (‘woman of dance’). Maikos were apprentice-Geishas and as such were trained in art forms meant for entertainment, such as dance and music.

The print is a first edition, in fine condition. There are a few small imperfections, visible on the pictures, of which a very small spot on the lower cheeck is the most significant one. The upper border of the paper shows some black, but far removed from the image. The pictures intend to display all of this, including close-ups and a pencil written number on the back.

The pictures have been taken in different lighting to capture the effects of the mica that comprises the background of the portrait. One of the pictures serves to display the shine of the mica.

To receive a price quote, please contact us at service@nipponprints.com.

The size of the image within the print is 38.3 * 26.4 cm.

The pictures shown here are from the print itself.

See an overview of Yamamura Koka's woodblock prints