Japanese Woodblock Print ( Ukiyoe Hanga ) Collection Part 1 - Meiji to Showa Era 

You are in Japan so if you want some specific tips, dm me on IG and I can help you out.

@@Exjapter thanks 😊

It'a true that I didnt have this print when I observed the one in the gallery for direct comparison, but I remember being struck by how the gallery original seemed smaller and more delicate, so I assumed it was just the standard Obon size.

@@Exjapter Regardless, a beautiful print. The beautiful background that you described was made with baren suji-zuri (swirls made by the printer with his baren tool).

@@mikep1 thank you. I admit the actual printing techniques is one of the places where my knowledge is incomplete.

I would guess they are in pretty prime condition, too.

I think any store in Jimbocho, Tokyo is reputable, and websites like fujiarts can be trusted.

Great question. Yes, there are multiple original prints and how many have survived of a particular print is kind of a crap shoot. The ways to tell original 19th century from 20th/21st are typically inspecting the paper, the ink (vibrancy, tone and hue) and the condition (does it seem aged and old). Very few prints from the 19th century survived with full margins and zero flaws like pinholes, wormmage, creases, browning of the paper and ink fading. Also, the artist and subject of the print itself are a clue - no one is bothering to make modern recuts of the vast majority of prints unless they are Hokusai/Hiroshige and other similarly famous works. If you have a 19th century kabuki print for instance, its gonna be original because there is no money in copying it. To your question about stamps, there are some 20th century examples of prints that had licensed reprints/recuts that had clearly new stamps added to indicate as such, but the vast majority of reprints/recuts dont change any of the stamps/signatures.

And yes, back in the 19th century they would re run popularly selling prints. Those are still considered originals, although the quality deteriorated because woodblocks wore out. Key block lines would start to have gaps or even disappear entirely, so you can tell an early print from later. Sometimes they would swap inks too. A print I have by Yoshitoshi has a very burnt amber sort of sunset which indicates an earlier printing, as later versions were a more vibrant orange. Both would be considered originals (from the original blocks) but the value of earlier prints is slightly higher.

@@Exjapter Thank you very much for the information and your time. Great stuff.