Japanese Sato print?

I picked up a pair of prints, or I think they are prints, could be something original, and I could use help.

They are framed and double matted with the image area at 7½" X 4½". The image in addition to the color has some flecking of gold on the surface. There is some writing in Japanese I assume with Sato underneath. I've not found much yet as to who Sato might be.

Are these some common prints or something more original? I'm perplexed.

 

I took one piece out of the frame and found a little more. On the back in pencil it says #436 Oiran right (though this particular one is looking left) which I think means geisha. It has marks as if it's been impressed. Any thoughts on the technique? Handpainted print of some sort or hand done, it seems more hand done to my eye. It does have some foxing.

Not sure what to make of these, maybe they aren't much but I sort of like them.

 

I want to say hand-colored etching, but the lines seem very heavy to me. Still... that seems most likely.

 

I'm thinking you may be right. I've tried but I've not got a good handle on the process, for example, I can't figure out how if the outlines are printed and then the color is applied why the color doesn't seep into the outlines. I've got no ideas

 

I think if you are coloring carefully, staying in the lines isn't that difficult. Those etched lines should be raised on the paper - almost like cloisonnes. I think that any lines within a colored area will be painted over.

 

I'd forgotten I'd asked about these. I pulled one out again to puzzle over and thought I'd just bring it up again for a fresh look if that's ok. Any thoughts on who or how?

 

That dusty pink matting is pure 1980s.

Debora

 

I remember dusty pink (and green) everywhere. These may very well date to that time period. The pink mat really coordinates with the pinkish sig and the colors in the art pretty well.