Antique Utagawa Kunisada, Figures, Japan, Woodblock Print

Details

Description

Utagawa kunisada (toyokuni iii) – ichikawa ebizō v (danjūrō vii) as bōshū yaegiri
original lifetime impression color woodblock print, ōban … Read more Utagawa kunisada (toyokuni iii) – ichikawa ebizō v (danjūrō vii) as bōshū yaegiri
original lifetime impression color woodblock print, ōban tate-e
japan, tenpō era, c. 1832–1838

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artist: utagawa kunisada (1786–1865), signed 歌川国貞筆
publisher: izumiya ichibei (seal 和泉屋市兵衛)
censor’s seal: 極 (kiwame)
additional seal: 天保改彫大黒 (tenpō kaibori daikoku)

subject: the great kabuki superstar ichikawa ebizō v (later ichikawa danjūrō vii) in a dynamic aragoto role, most likely bōshū yaegiri from the play sukeroku or a similar “zōhiki” scene – one of kunisada’s most iconic actor portraits from his finest early period.

format: (approx. 38cm × 26 cm)
(vintage gilded wooden frame)

condition:
genuine lifetime impression from the 1830s, never removed from its original 19th-century backing board and never relined or restored. Colors are naturally faded (especially red and blue), typical for prints now 185–190 years old. Even overall toning, age-related foxing spots, minor creases, but no major tears or paper loss. The reverse shows original glue residues and the old backing – clear evidence that this print has been in a western collection since the late 19th or early 20th century. Completely untouched and 100 % authentic, with beautiful untouched patina.

provenance & rarity:
early tenpō-period impressions with the izumiya ichibei publisher seal and kiwame censor seal are highly sought after. Identical or very closely related impressions are held in the permanent collections of the metropolitan museum of art (new york), british museum (london), museum of fine arts boston, and waseda university theatre museum (tokyo).

an outstanding opportunity to acquire a genuine, untouched lifetime kunisada actor print from the 1830s – one of the most famous images of the legendary danjūrō line – at a very attractive price. The print is offered in its original antique gilded frame.

a true collector’s piece from the golden age of ukiyo-e. This piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less