Japanese Woodblock Print: Masao Ebina - Suzumushi (The Bell Cricket)
 
Zusetsu was founded on a deep fascination for Japan’s ancient capital Kyoto. The rich seam of beauty that is to be discovered in the city may be traced back to the 8th century when Kyoto became the auspicious new home of the Emperor and his court.
 
Murasaki Shikibu’s The Tale of Genji details life at court, and many of the festivals, traditions, and artisan skills that may be found in this vibrant city today originated in this Heian era.
 
Kyoto artist Masao Ebina turned to the classic novel to complete a series of illustrations for each of the 54 chapters. Masao Ebina's fine art echoes the style of early Genji manuscript art.
 
Released in 1953, only 200 editions of each deluxe set were created. The Masao Ebina print that we present to you here today is a small part of one of these limited edition sets of illustrations.
 
This print features excellent colour and detail as shown in the photo. There may be slight paper remnants or thinning of the paper at the top edge owing to the original publisher mounting. There may be small spots or slight creases on the paper.
 
The most beautiful aspect of the print is the use of mica - in this print it is used to beautiful effect as a soft grey detail and a gold ink pattern on the juunihitoe robes of Onna San no Miya.
 
Genji and Onna San no Miya are pictured near the verandah. There is a beautiful detail of a bamboo water feature to the right of the art work, and a hint of koi swimming beneath the water. The colours are soft greys and greens.
 
Note, also, the symbol in the top right corner from the fragrance game Genjiko, which is a part of the incense ceremony known as kodo, one of the three classical arts of Japan. (You can read more about it here.)
 
Suzumushi is the 38th chapter of The Tale of Genji. The suzumushi (the 'bell cricket') sings in autumn. On the night of the full harvest moon, Genji and Onna San no Miya exchange poems in praise of its song.
 
Dimensions :
The actual image size is 307mm x 212mm approx.
There is a small margin of between 8 and 15mm.
Condition :
The overall condition is good.
There are one or two small scuffs of ink from the printing process in the margins.
There are one or two faint creases on the print.
On the back of the art at the top margin there are paper remnants where the print was once mounted. 
There is a red ink maker's stamp on the bottom right of the print.
There is beautiful detailed patterning in gold and soft grey inks on the juunihitoe robes of Onna San no Miya.
Weight : 6 g.
Woodblock print from Japan.