Hokusai (1760 – 1849), The Falling Mist Waterfall at Mt Kurokami, Shimotsuke Province, 1832,
woodblock print, 15 x 10.25 in. (38.10 x 26.04 cm.)

Doug Frazer and Richard Waldman of The Art of Japan have been hard at work hunting for and finding, beautiful and interesting images. These 107 images are now added to their New Acquisitions, which may be their finest grouping in 35 years. From Hokusai to Hiroaki and from Sumo to Surimono, there is something for everyone who loves Japanese prints. Particularly notable is this very fine impression of Hokusai's waterfall design, The Falling Mist Waterfall at Mt Kurokami, Shimotsuke Province, from 1832. This impression, on a nearly full sheet, is comparable to the best impressions found in any museum collection. Hiroaki's 1931 Awabi Diver is lavishly printed with Mica background in double oban format and has a red key block that warms and accentuates the model's form. Of special interest is a group of seven exquisitely printed designs from Kunisada's painfully rare 1823 series of ten prints, Mirrors of the Modern Boudoir, which depicts beautiful women at their ablutions within their private quarters. For Sumo fans, they have assembled seven Katsukawa school designs that are full of character and in remarkably fine condition. One of their favorite designs of the collection is a delightful depiction of Onoe Kikugoro V as the Balloonist Spencer, by Kunisada III, a vertical diptych showing an actor as Spencer suspended from a balloon.

To see these and more exceptional prints, click here.