Posted by juan curto on June 28, 1999 at 10:36:57:
I would appreciate your expert opinion about purchasing the print called "Ichikawa of the Matsubaya" by KITAGAWA UTAMARO.
Motif: 3 women and 1 girl in colourful kimonos, having a walk. no background.
Condition and impression are good BUT it has undergone strong restoration. It has some rubbing (lower right side) and trimming (3 out of 4 sides) as well as some worm holes (lower left side) and has been professionally restored and lightly backed.
Size is 14 1/4" x 10". Circa 1780's. JPEG file upon kind request.
It has been priced 6-9 times below the valuation of a pristine print.
Is it a good idea to buy? Has anybody seen it in any reference book just to check authenticity?
thanx,
juan curto.
PS I have just learnt there are UTAMARO I and UTAMARO II, how to easily differentiate them?