Japanese art type and translation help Please

Hi all,
Was hoping someone could translate the Japanese for me and tell me what I have here.
the are work is deeply etched into the paper or some other type of material I am not sure.
I know the frame and matting are in poor shape but the art seems in great condition.
The artwork measures 10" x 15"
Thanks in advance and hope your weekend is great.
Mikey

 

Ok i removed it from the frame and matting. Found this writing in pencil. maybe a clue. can't quite understand it?
Mikey

 

Looks like it says "show block line." Just guessing, but might it mean that it should be framed to show the edge of the block that was used to make the print?

Wait until somebody more knowledgeable comes along...

 

Artist: Tsuchiya Rakuzan.

Title: Branch with Berries.

Link: http://www.harvardartmuseums.org/art/205623

 

Wow! I would never have guessed.

 

Good ID, 'Nuff_Said!

 

Thanks, Fig!

 

Awesome, Thank you very much 'Nuff_Said!!

 

O.K last question.
I am thinking of just getting a new mat for it and putting it back in the original frame for resale.
or just matting, or nothing at all. it looks pretty bad the way it is now.
Mikey

 

Ew. It definitely needs the matte. What's the condition of the frame?

 

Just sell it with nothing at all. Most people choose to reframe, and it won't cost much to ship just the print/board.

 

1940's wood frame painted gold, one small dent but otherwise in good shape. i really don't want to sell it in the frame with the glass though. I am thinking just a neutral color mat and nothing else.

 

If it were mine I wouldn't put any more money into it. As is, you could sell for between $100-200, it looks like. Without the frame. With the frame shipping could be more and buyers might balk at the extra expense.

 

There is a Michael's arts and crafts store around the corner from me. Custom made mat for this would cost 15.00.
so total cost for the print and mat is 18.00. yes i paid 3.00 for the print.
Mikey

 

It's totally your choice and decision, Mikey. But it will sell because of the print not the mat. I wouldn't bother at all! As a buyer, I have no problem buying a piece of artwork without a mat or a frame if I like it and want it. It's a nice print and should sell easily without it! just something to think about.

 

thank you moontymes. i may just do that.
my ebay sales have been next to nothing this year maybe this is the one i needed.

 

Well, good luck to you! Ebay has been pretty blah for me too lately.

 

Hi Mikey,
If you want to just give it a light cleaning here's a tip. Take the center of cheap white bread slices and briskly rub over the old mat like an eraser. Make sure the bread is soft. It is the only reason to buy Wonder bread. All you have to do is brush off the crumbs. I use it to clean all kinds of paper including book covers and wallpaper.
greg

 

Thanks Greg, but the old mat is paper covered with some kind of cloth material that is badly stained and coming apart. i am just going to list tonight as is and see what i get.