7017 - Japanese ukiyo-e color woodblock print, after Kitagawa Utamaro, before 1800

Japanese ukiyo-e color woodblock print, after Kitagawa Utamaro, before 1800 Japanese ukiyo-e color woodblock print, probably after or in the circle of Kitagawa Utamaro, 1753–1806, Edo period, probably late 18th century / before 1800. The print depicts a half-length portrait of a young man, or wakashū, with an up-styled hairstyle and a patterned kimono. The simplified depiction, focused on the face, hairstyle, and garment patterns, is characteristic of Japanese figure and beauty depictions in ukiyo-e. The characters in the upper right read and roughly mean “distinguished young man” or “elegant wakashū.” A small inscription is also visible in the lower left corner, likely indicating the sheet or series number. On the reverse, a later inscription reads: “A Japanese print by Utamaro Kitagawa, Pre-1800,” along with a handwritten note stating “not signed.” Framed behind glass in a black wooden frame with a light-colored mat. Condition reflects its age, with noticeable browning of the paper, stains, creases, signs of wear, scuffs, partial soiling, and minor frame defects. Attribution to Utamaro cannot be confirmed due to the lack of a signature. Dimensions including frame: approx. 32.5 x 26.5 cm.