Japanese Woodblock Print, originally published 1857, this is a Showa era strike from recarved wood blocks, No. 82 from the series "One Hundred Views of Edo"

SIZE IN INCHES: oban, 10 x 14.75

COMMENTS: Scholars have identified this as a scene in one of the many brothels or inns in the settlement of Shinagawa. Through the open window appears the harvest moon rising serenely in the autumn sky. In contrast to the fullness and perfection of the view outside, the scene within is one of incompletion and indirection. Beneath a lantern on the tatami mat lie the leftovers of a meal. At the very margins of the scene are two half-hidden figures. To the right is a geisha; the tip of a lute-like samisen and its box hint that she is about to leave. To the left, as indicated by the elaborate hairstyle, is a courtesan. The garment slipping onto the tatami suggests she is preparing for bed.

Fine, no flaws