Magnificent and rare double page of original Japanese print (woodblock printing on washi paper) that served as a creation model in Limoges in 1888. An exceptional testimony of the Japonism period.

This plate is doubly interesting: it connects a great master of the Edo period with the history of the prestigious Limoges porcelain.

The work bears two wet authentication stamps inked from the period: "PORCELAINES BAWO & DOTTER - 30 AUG 88 - LIMOGES - 8, Rue de la Fonderie"

This sheet was directly used as a reference model by the decorative painters of the famous American manufacturer based in Limoges (The Elite Works), to reproduce these floral patterns on their high-end tableware.

Artist: Drawing by Kitao Shigemasa (北尾 重政, 1739–1820), great master of Kachō-ga (flowers and birds). Excerpt from the illustrated album Kachō Shashin Zui (花鳥写真図彙 - Illustrations of flowers and birds from nature).

In good condition for a working document from a 19th-century workshop. Presence of the original central fold (from the album), slight natural humidity spots in the sky of the right page (see photos), edges slightly frayed but not serious for the drawing. The colors (green, red) remain quite fresh.

Dimensions: 19.5cm x 29cm
Shipping: Ultra-secure professional packaging under double rigid cardboard, tracked shipping.