Offset Lithograph Reproduction of Kitagawa Utamaro's 'Tosei Gonin Musume'

Name: Offset Lithograph Reproduction of Kitagawa Utamaro's 'Tosei Gonin Musume'
Brand: felarose
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Framed offset lithograph reproduction of five Japanese women by Kitagawa Utamaro, showing halftone dot pattern in macro view. - view 1

1/2

Estimated value

$20 - $50

Rarity

Common(2/10)

OFFSET LITHOGRAPH REPRODUCTION OF KITAGAWA UTAMARO'S 'TOSEI GONIN MUSUME': IDENTIFICATION

A framed photomechanical reproduction of a classical ukiyo-e woodblock print, originally designed by Kitagawa Utamaro. The composition features five bijin (beautiful women) arranged in a tight group, a format characteristic of Utamaro's okubi-e (large-head) portraits. The upper right text reads '當世五人娘' (Tosei Gonin Musume), and the signature on the left reads 'Utamaro Hitsu' (drawn by Utamaro). While the piece replicates the lines and color blocks of an Edo-period print, the macro photograph reveals a distinct CMYK halftone dot matrix, confirming this is a modern offset lithograph rather than a hand-rubbed woodblock.

Compare with other prints in the archive: Abstract Mixed Media Print ('Monoprint'), Abstract Chromatic Lithograph by A. Vrede, Luigi Leisner (1889-1970) - 'Fidelio', Etching of the Vienna State Opera, c. 1920-1940.

PRINT LINEAGE

Kitagawa Utamaro (c. 1753–1806) dominated the bijin-ga genre during the Kansei era (1789–1801), shifting focus toward the physiognomy and emotional subtleties of his subjects. The mass reproduction of his works via commercial offset lithography in the mid-to-late 20th century reflects the ...

COLLECTOR NOTES

In 1804, Utamaro was imprisoned and manacled for 50 days by the Tokugawa shogunate for producing prints featuring historical figures in ways deemed disrespectful to the ruling class.

SCARCITY

Common20-40%

CommonLegendary

Older mass-produced items still widely available. Easy to find on eBay, antique malls, and estate sales in large quantities.

Rarity 2/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 26 prints items at rarity 2 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

Mass produced historically
High survival rate
Readily available everywhere

Confidence Factors

How does authenticity detection work?

PRINT SPECIALIST'S TAKE

Asian Art Specialist

East Asian Art Expert

The provided macro photograph of the printed surface definitively reveals a halftone dot matrix, leaving zero doubt that this is a photomechanical reproduction rather than an original hand-pulled woodblock.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The printed surface appears clean and flat within the framing under glass. The user notes minor wear, which aligns with typical handling marks expected on a mid-century wooden or metal display frame.

PRINT MARKET VALUATION

$20 - $50

Updated: Aug 3, 2026

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For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

YOUR INPUT VS. SCAN

How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

What Aligned

The user's assessment of 'Replica/Reproduction' is definitively confirmed by the macro image revealing a commercial halftone dot matrix instead of solid carved ink lines.
The user's 'Mid century' dating is consistent with the widespread use of offset lithography for domestic art prints during that era.

What Conflicted

While the user noted 'Unknown' artist, the print bears the signature of the renowned Edo-period artist Kitagawa Utamaro (哥麿筆) on the middle-left, identifying the creator of the original composition.