The Six Poetic Immortals Preparing the Tanabata Festival by Hokusai

Artist: Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849)

Woodblock Prints Title: The Six Poetic Immortals (Rokkasen) Making Decorations for the Tanabata Festival

1st Publication: 1802

Size: Horizontal ôban; 24.9 x 37.2 cm (9 13/16 x 14 5/8 in.)

Date of this edition: 1802

Publisher: Unknown

Condition: Vertical crease now flattened. Multiple worn and pin holes in the center of the print. Paper appears thick and might be backed on an edo era paper, probably for over a century; although it could be how the paper originally was. Very good colors and impression, good to very good overall condition.

Notes: Signed Gakyojin Hokusai consistent with prints made between 1800 and 1806. Similar print is referenced by the Museum of Fine Art in Boston, and was described as signed Hokusai ga, as their print is trimmed by the signature. However, on this one, you can see that the signature is bigger than expected, and in fact, the print is signed Gokyojin Hokusai ga.

See the MFA's version HERE

Pictures: Pictures are taken outdoor, in the shade, to reflect true colors, without any enhancements of any kind. The last picture is taken indoor, with a light behind the print, to reveal the exact paper grain, holes if any, or other possible flaws.