Posted by Hans Olof Johansson (83.253.248.227) on February 07, 2012 at 14:10:56:
In Reply to: Re: Utamaro prints- one design two s posted by Hans Olof Johansson on February 06, 2012 at 11:57:36:
The differences between the two versions of the triptych seem to be most obvious on the right sheet. On the left sheet (see example above) I can spot only minor discrepancies in the keyblock lines. A few lines are missing in the 1478 version, most notably perhaps the horizon line between the girl's head and the tree, but as far as I could tell these differences could be the result of normal wear and tear on the keyblock.
As for the centre sheet, I haven't been able to find anything at all suggesting that the two specimens were printed with different keyblocks.
Consequently, I am inclined to believe that this triptych - in spite of its dullness and lack of artistic merit, I have to say - may have been a steady seller for quite some time and was printed in such numbers that the woodblocks were worn out and gradually had to be replaced.
Well, that's my two cents' worth, after having spent a few hours studying the images of the triptych.