Japanese Woodblock Print, Showa era printing, publisher unknown

SIZE IN INCHES: 7.75 x 11.75 inches

COMMENTS: This is a Showa era woodblock print of a painting made by Kaigetsudo Ando between 1700 and 1714.

KAIGETSUDO ANDO (c.1671-1743), also known as Ando Yasunori, was a Japanese painter and the founder of the Kaigetsudo school of ukiyo-e art. Though influential and prolific, it is probable that many of the works attributed to him were painted by his disciples. He is a rarity among major ukiyo-e artists in that he made only paintings and never woodblock prints.

As the founder of a school, it should come as no surprise that his style was fresh, new and innovative, and quite distinctive. This style would be continued by his direct disciples (some of whom were his sons or other direct relations), often so closely that paintings done by them have come to be misattributed to Ando.

Kaigetsudo Ando's career came to an end in 1714, with the so-called "Ejima-Ikushima affair". It is not entirely clear how he was involved in this scandal which revolved around a high ranking court lady and a kabuki actor (who held a very low status in society, along with all actors and entertainers). All those involved were banished from Edo.

Fine, no flaws