An exceptional and visually compelling large-scale limited edition print by American pop graphic artist Michael Knigin, masterfully blending classical Japanese ukiyo-e aesthetics with the stark vertical drama of modern urban architecture.

Titled “Woman Playing a Poppin’, after Utamaro,” this striking composition was created in 1981 and issued as a hand signed limited edition of only 225 impressions. The present example is numbered 94/225 and bears the artist’s pencil signature “Knigin ’81 ©” in the lower right margin.

Knigin’s work is known for its sophisticated cultural juxtapositions and graphic precision, and this print represents one of his most visually engaging themes. The central figure depicts an elegant Edo-period beauty inspired by the iconic bijin-ga portraits of the great ukiyo-e master Kitagawa Utamaro (1753–1806). The woman is adorned in a richly patterned kimono featuring bold red-and-white checkerboard textile motifs decorated with stylized floral forms and layered geometric patterns rendered in vibrant green, blue, and gold tones.

In dramatic contrast to the traditional figure, the background presents a stark black-and-white photographic urban canyon of towering skyscrapers and receding city streets reminiscent of early twentieth century Manhattan architecture. The resulting composition creates a powerful visual dialogue between East and West, past and present, tradition and modernity.

This fusion of classical Japanese imagery with contemporary American cityscape photography exemplifies the postmodern visual experimentation that characterized many of Knigin’s most memorable works from the late twentieth century. The print possesses a striking graphic presence, combining elegant linework, strong color saturation, and crisp architectural photography into a composition that is both intellectually engaging and visually dramatic.

The print is presented on a large gallery-scale sheet measuring approximately 34 x 26 inches, giving the work an impressive and commanding display presence. The generous margins and pencil inscriptions confirm its status as an authentic collector-issued limited edition print rather than a reproduction.

With only 225 impressions produced, signed and numbered examples from this edition are relatively scarce on the secondary market. Works by Michael Knigin are sought by collectors of contemporary pop graphics, cross-cultural modern printmaking, and late twentieth century conceptual print art.

The print is in very good to excellent condition. The paper margins appear clean and bright with no visible foxing, tears, or major creasing. The image area retains strong color saturation and crisp detail. Only minimal handling wear consistent with careful storage may be present.

This visually arresting signed limited edition print offers an exceptional example of Michael Knigin’s distinctive fusion of traditional Japanese art history and modern urban visual culture, making it an appealing acquisition for collectors of contemporary graphic art and large-scale decorative prints.