Woodblock Print “Maiko (Apprentice Geisha)” by Takehisa Yumeji JAC-NA-601-LGP-06

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Woodblock Print “Maiko (Apprentice Geisha)” by Takehisa Yumeji JAC-NA-601-LGP-06

Name: Woodblock Print “Maiko (Apprentice Geisha)” by Takehisa Yumeji JAC-NA-601-LGP-06
Brand: kurokigoishiten
Price: 128000.0 JPY
Availability: InStock

¥128,000

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This is a woodblock print of “Maiko (Apprentice Geisha)” by Takehisa Yumeji, an artist who established a unique artistic vision in modern Japanese art.
The work was created in 1991, carved and printed by master woodblock artisan Yasuo Matsunaga, a holder of traditional techniques designated by the Agency for Cultural Affairs and a leading figure in Yumeji woodblock prints.
It is printed on handmade Echizen washi paper by Living National Treasure Ichibei Iwano, regarded as the finest paper for woodblock printing.
Comes with a wooden frame.

“Maiko” by Takehisa Yumeji is an elegant work that harmoniously blends the charm of Yumeji’s iconic bijin-ga with the refined beauty of Japanese tradition.
Depicting a maiko adorned in splendid attire, the figure conveys a sense of delicate melancholy and subtle emotion, rendered through Yumeji’s signature flowing lines and soft, gentle colors.

The maiko herself represents a symbolic presence—embodying youth and inexperience, while also possessing a dignified grace cultivated within the world of traditional arts.
In this work, her fleeting beauty and quiet fragility are expressed with restraint, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.
The graceful posture and the emotion suggested in her gaze evoke an unspoken inner world, highlighting the poetic sensibility unique to Yumeji’s art.
Moreover, the patterns and colors of her kimono reflect a delicate awareness of Japan’s seasons and cultural aesthetics, achieving a beautiful harmony between decoration and emotion.
“Maiko” is a refined and evocative piece that explores the depth of human feeling through a traditional subject.

Takehisa Yumeji was a painter and poet who came to symbolize the romantic spirit of the Taisho era, and an artist who established a unique artistic vision within modern Japanese art.
His real name was Mojirō Takehisa.
Born in Okayama Prefecture in 1884, he was active primarily from the late Meiji period through the Taisho era.

yumeji-bijinga

Takehisa Yumeji is best known for his poetic and somewhat ephemeral depictions of women, often referred to as “Yumeji-style beauties.” Through slender, flowing lines and soft, gentle colors, he masterfully expressed emotions such as melancholy and longing.
The women he portrayed captivated the hearts of people of his time and established a new style of bijinga (portraits of beautiful women) in Japan.
As a representative artist of Taisho Romanticism, he was sometimes called the “Ukiyo-e artist of the Taisho era.”

In addition to painting, Yumeji was active in a wide range of fields including poetry, children’s stories, book design, and commercial design. He demonstrated his talent in book covers and even everyday items, and is regarded as a pioneer of commercial art and graphic design in Japan.

His works delicately express the subtleties of love and life, and continue to be cherished by many people even today.
Takehisa Yumeji remains a timeless artist who embodies the aesthetics and lyrical sensibility of Japan.

Woodblock printing is a traditional printmaking technique in which designs are carved into wooden blocks, ink or pigments are applied to the surface, and the image is transferred onto paper.
In Japan, this art form has developed over centuries, most notably exemplified by ukiyo-e of the Edo period, where refined carving and highly skilled printing techniques created a distinctive aesthetic.

The production process consists of multiple stages, including carving the design into the woodblock based on an original drawing, and printing each color layer separately in a carefully aligned sequence. The final work is achieved through the expertise of skilled artisans and their precise collaboration.
For multi-color prints, multiple blocks are prepared for each color, and by layering them with exact registration, rich tones and depth are brought to life.
One of the unique charms of woodblock prints lies in the natural grain of the wood, the warmth of hand craftsmanship, and the subtle variations found in each individual print.
Unlike mechanical printing, woodblock prints offer a soft, nuanced expression with depth, providing viewers with a quiet sense of elegance and refinement.
As a symbolic art form of Japanese traditional culture, woodblock printing continues to be passed down to contemporary artists, evolving with new expressions while preserving its timeless appeal.

This work was produced in 1989 and carved and printed by master woodblock artisan Yasuo Matsunaga, a holder of traditional techniques designated by the Agency for Cultural Affairs and a leading figure in Yumeji woodblock prints.
It is printed on handmade Echizen washi paper by Living National Treasure Ichibei Iwano, renowned for producing paper ideally suited for woodblock printing.
Serial number: 259/300.
Signed with the seal of woodblock artisan Yasuo Matsunaga.
Comes with a wooden frame.

Please note that, as more than 30 years have passed since its production, there may be some minor discoloration or stains.

Woodblock Print “Maiko (Apprentice Geisha)” by Takehisa Yumeji
Product No.：JAC-NA-601-LGP-06
*Only one available.
Size：445 mm × 566 mm × 33 mm
Weight：About 2.4 kg
In a paper box.
1,000 JPY flat rate shipping within Japan, free shipping for purchases totaling 20,000 JPY or more.
Please bear the actual cost for shipping charges outside Japan.

Please note that, as more than 30 years have passed since its production, there may be some minor discoloration or stains.

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Woodblock Print “Maiko (Apprentice Geisha)” by Takehisa Yumeji JAC-NA-601-LGP-06

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