Posted by George Aar on February 26, 1999 at 03:50:52:
In Reply to: print evaluation/identification posted by Pat L on February 21, 1999 at 16:32:34:
: Recently my wife and I recieved approximately 30 prints
: amoung them were two that especially interest me. one is the great wave the other is mount fuji view field.
: I think the great wave may not be an original print as it is only 9 inches by 14 1/2 inches. I live in northern arizona but would like to get these things appraised in order to insure them. I have no intention of selling them as these were given to us. The documentation that i have on some of the prints says they were purchased in 1913/24 from The Meiji Japanese and Chinese fine arts 430 Grant Ave in San Francisco.I would appreciate it if you could guide me to a reputable dealer/appraiser in this area AZ/CA/ Thank you very much Pat L
The size you mention for the Great Wave print is correct, as the original was "oban" size. The name of the shop where they were originally purchased may be very telling, though. The Meiji era saw a great many of the masterworks of Japanese woodblock prints reproduced, and these reproductions, though well done, are primarily decorative and of little collector value. Check the yellow pages for a gallery specializing in Japanese prints, they will generally give you a quick evaluation, gratis. If they need to spend a good deal of time doing research, expect to pay $90. - $125. an hour. The closest dealer to you that I have had any experience with is Mr. Frank Castle of Castle Fine Arts on Sutter in San Francisco. He is very knowledgable and gives free valuations. If you are up that way it would be well worth the trouble to stop in at his gallery. I'm sure there must be equally capable people in or nearer to Arizona though.
Good luck!
geo.