Overview
A vibrant and crowded 'sentō' or public bathhouse scene, capturing the lively social atmosphere of women in 19th-century Japan.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A vibrant and crowded 'sentō' or public bathhouse scene, capturing the lively social atmosphere of women in 19th-century Japan.
Story
Public bathhouses were the true social equalizers of old Tokyo, where the rigid class structures of the outside world were left at the door along with one's clothes.
Maker / Origin
The original composition is consistent with the Utagawa school, specifically the work of Utagawa Kunisada, the most popular and prolific printmaker of the 19th century.
Condition & Value
The print appears well-preserved behind glass with colors that remain relatively bright, though there is likely some minor age-toning to the paper. The faux-bamboo frame is in good vintage condition.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Regional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375