signed Eisho ga

Chokosai Eisho (Japanese, Active 1790s) Okubi-e of the Courtesan Wakamurasaki of the Teahouse Kadotamaya (Kadotamaya Wakamurasaki) Feeding A Mouse, from the series Contest of Beauties of the Pleasure Quarters (Kakuchu bijin kurabe), circa 1795 Woodblock on paper 14-1/4 x 9-3/8 ines (36.2 x 23.8 cm) (sheet, oban) Signed: Eisho ga Published by Yamaguchiya Chubei PROVENANCE: Christie's, New York, March 22, 2001, lot 40. Property from the Nelkin Collection HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

A charming depiction of a courtesan holding a small mouse. The condition of the work is consistent with its age. A few small wormholes with the largest appearing just to the left of the green in the figure's kimono; this same area with a repair to the verso; the other wormholes do not appear to be repaired. A few other losses/repairs along extreme right edge of sheet (perhaps was tipped into a folio as there appears to be an additional strip of paper along verso left edge), primarily providing support to the areas, do not appear to be inpainted. Moderate toning throughout the sheet, appearing heaviest along edges with some additional accretions/staining along edges. Marked creasing throughout sheet. Hinged on upper corners to a backing sheet. Unframed.