View from the Garden

Koharu ni wa

This Japanese woodblock print reproduction features a 三味線/shamisen (3-stringed lute) player, viewed through a circular window from the garden of the house. The shadow or silhouette of a second woman (likely a koto player) is seen dimly illuminated on the shoji screen.

The inscription, starting from the right, reads, 玉蘭 (Gyokuran) and 貞秀画 (Sadahide-ga). From this, it is presumed the woman depicted is named Gyokuran. Sadahide-ga is a signature that basically says, this is Sadahide's artwork.

The original artist is Utagawa Sadahide who was born Hashimoto Kenjirō (橋本兼次郎) in 1807. He grew up in Fusa Province (now known as the Chiba Prefecture). He became part of the Utagawa school. As a member of the school, he took the surname Utagawa. Later, he also used the art name Gountei Sadahide. Later in life, he started to use his birth name on his artwork.

Print artist: Utagawa Sadahide / 歌川貞秀 (1807-1873). Also known as Gountei Sadahide (五雲亭貞秀)
Publisher: Yamamotoya Heikichi.
The original woodblock was carved/created in Japan, between 1843 and 1847.

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About Real Japanese Woodblock Prints

Woodblock printing, often considered the precursor to the modern printing press, was first developed in China and later brought to Japan, where artists refined the technique into a unique art form. In Japan, these prints are called 木版畫 ("Moku Hanga"). Most were created during the Edo period (1603–1867), though production continued into the early 20th century.

Japanese artists would first create a "template painting" depicting scenes of daily life, including women washing clothes, men writing poetry, samurai battles, and occasionally more dramatic subjects. These template images, known as 浮世絵 (Ukiyo-e, or "Floating World"), were then carved into wood by skilled artisans. Another specialist applied wet ink or pigments to the carved blocks, and a sheet of handmade paper was pressed on to create the final print. This collaborative process produced vibrant, detailed artworks much faster than hand-painting hundreds of copies.

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About This Reproduction

Original Japanese woodblock prints from the Edo period can sell for $800 to $20,000. Our prints are high-quality reproductions, crafted to capture the look and feel of the originals, though experts will recognize them as reproductions.

We use authentic handmade kozo (mulberry) paper—the same paper Japanese printmakers used centuries ago. Archival, UV-resistant pigment inks ensure long-lasting color, with laboratory testing showing up to 95 years of fade-free enjoyment if kept out of direct sunlight. Each reproduction is carefully color-corrected and restored, bringing the Edo period artwork to life for your wall.

Printing on delicate handmade paper is challenging. After testing multiple high-end printers, we found the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2000 delivers the precision and quality needed, using 12 archival inks and 18,432 nozzles. Each print is then sent to our Beijing workshop, where it is mounted into a handmade wall scroll, ready-to-hang without the need for expensive framing, giving your piece an authentic Japanese look.

Because the original artist has long passed, these works are public domain. In some cases, we license high-resolution scans of original prints, or even scan 200-year-old originals ourselves. This dedication ensures you receive a stunning Japanese woodblock print reproduction at an affordable price, making traditional Asian art accessible to everyone.

Want a custom wall scroll or unique print size? Just contact us!

We can print larger sizes, choose your preferred paper texture, and select silk brocade colors. Ready-to-frame prints can ship in days, while custom wall scrolls may take several weeks. Either way, the result is a truly one-of-a-kind piece of Japanese art.