Print Seal

[kissakai]

Hi

My friend has found a seal mark on the back of an Utamaro print showing Yamauba and her son Kintaro

Can anyone help with its translation?

 

Actual image

 

 

 

Hand copied image

 

 

(not bad for someone with Parkinson's)

 

Grev

[kissakai]

PS

This stamp was on the back of the print

 

 

Grev UK

[Shugyosha]

Hi Grev,

 

The kanji in the centre are: 高見澤版 - Taka mi zawa ban. Takamizawa Edition.

 

From Wikipedia: 

 

Ukiyo-e prints often went through multiple editions, sometimes with changes made to the blocks in later editions. Editions made from recut woodblocks also circulate, such as legitimate later reproductions, as well as pirate editions and other fakes. Takamizawa Enji (1870–1927), a producer of ukiyo-e reproductions, developed a method of recutting woodblocks to print fresh colour on faded originals, over which he used tobacco ash to make the fresh ink seem aged. These refreshed prints he resold as original printings. Amongst the defrauded collectors was American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who brought 1,500 Takamizawa prints with him from Japan to the US, some of which he had sold before the truth was discovered.

 

I hope this isn't bad news for your friend.

 

I'm struggling with the hiragana around the outside as the first one is unclear to me and hopefully someone else can pitch in: ?と (?to) on the left and むん (mun) on the right.

 

Best,

John

[kissakai]

Hi John - thanks

No bad news just a need to know

 

 

Grev UK

[k morita]

Hi,

 

 

[kissakai]

Many thanks to you both

I'll let the owner know the results

 

 

Grev UK