Picture of Kemari Ball, Ukiyoe Printing Block, by Kitagawa Utamaro [Edo Period]
This is a truly invaluable item that has been confirmed as the original ukiyoe printing block for Kemari-no-zu, currently stored at the Guimet Museum in Paris and created by Kitagawa Utamaro (sometime between the 1750s and 1806). The depiction of the hairline and the refined lines demonstrate the creator’s delicate and highly honed techniques.