Comment - Vertical diptych of a courtesan wearing a striking black kimono patterned with a variety of kites including a  an edo kite (edo kaku, 江戸角) with a variation of the flag of Japan (upper left), another edo kite with a Daruma face and an adjoining kite spool, a bird-of-prey kite (Tonbi-tako, 鳶凧) also with an adjoinig kite line spool, a Fan Kite (Sensu-tako, 扇子凧), and a yakko-dako or man kite, a bird, all along with lots of loose twine (kite lines). The beauty looks down with a happy smile, holding one sleeve to her chin, her hair adorned with combs and hairpins decorated with some of the "takaramono" or precious things, lucky objects including wish-fulfilling jewels, a straw raincoat symbolizing to allow her to fly, and a hat that symbolizes to make her invisible.

No title. Typical Edo Era print.
.

Series - unknown series


Artist - unknown Edo era artist


Signature - none

Publisher - unknown


Image Size - 71.1.9 X 23.8 cm  (28 1/2" X 9 3/8")


Condition - two vertical attached sheets, backed with paper; nishiki-e (cloured woodblock); vertical double ôban (double ôban tate-e, kakemono style);