Colored Woodblock Print-Kano Tan'yu 17th Century (Japanese, 1602-1674)

[DANTE5]

Hi everyone,

The artwork is a woodcut. I got this from an antique store about 10 years ago and the dealer told me that it was an extremely valuable piece of art.  Nicely mounted and framed,with glass cover in a wooden gilted frame. On the back of the frame is a paper label reading "Kano Tan'yu 17th Century (Japanese, 1602-1674) Private Collection "Summer Palace".

Measuring 22" X 27 1/2".  I examine the painting with a magnifying glass and with the touch and feel of the painting I can say it is not a lithograph. I found a copy at this site "http://www.baxleystamps.com/litho/sr/sr_16_1-1.jpg" (www.baxleystamps.co m)
The gold in my painting seems to be applied heavier than the sample that I found. Can anyone share their take on what this may signify.  I'm trying to date my print. Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Photo's attached.  Thanks

[ghopper1924]

It's beyond my expertise, but it's beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

[mart]

Might I ask what you paid for it ??

[DANTE5]

Hi Mart,

It was a gift.  I really have no clue what they paid.  But I would assume it was less than $100.00. ?? But they were told that it was a valuable piece.

[mart]

By that,, they were likely talking about the original art that the woodblock was made from being valuable !! Not necessarily this print !!  Does it make sense that a person would sell a valuable piece of art for that price ??  Have uyou had it out of the frame to examine it, front and back ??

[DANTE5]

Mart.. Yes I took it out to touch it and examine it.

[mart]

Is there anything written on the print ??

[DANTE5]

No, nothing written on front or back. The label I mentioned was a gold label clue to the frame backing.

However, there appears to be some type of chinese characters writing that looks like a watermark located above the Palace roofing.  A photo that is attached show these characters, they are illegible (very faint).

[mart]

Most of the woodblock prints of the 17th century were done with ink and two or three colors !! They had to have a separate plate for each color !! The later prints had more and 20th century incorporated hand painting with the finished print !! I am thinking that is what yours is a 20th century print !! You did say the gold was heavier than the rest didn`t you ?? Of course I can`t look at it to see the paper or how it was done !! I would take it to a museum and get the curator to have a look at it !! They can tell by the paper what the timeline is for it !!  Some of the older prints are fair money !!  Not enough to retire on but nothing to sneeze at either !!

[DANTE5]

Mart... I appreciate your comments.  I can say that it not a 17th century print, that's for sure.  Yes, the gold on my print is applied a lot heavier than the sample I found on the internet.

One additional observation I made was the print does not has any edge work.(i.e. the colors do not end at the edge abruptly they flow without a margin.) It appears that the ink or stains applied was applied on every inch of the paper stock. (similar to a poster board).  I was also convinced after examining the edges that it was handcolored and not a lithograph.

[mart]

Well assuming it is a 20th century print,, it could be worth a few hundred !! I would still get someone to look at it !!

[DANTE5]

Sure thing.  Thanks again for your help.

[mart]

Dont forget to let us know if you find out more about it and its value !!!

[DANTE5]

Will do.