Antique 19th Century Japanese Ukiyo-E Woodblock Print Prince Genji at Suma by Hiroshige and Kunisada

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Antique 19th Century Japanese Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print Prince Genji at Suma by Hiroshige and Kunisada

This exquisite original woodblock print … Read more Antique 19th Century Japanese Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print Prince Genji at Suma by Hiroshige and Kunisada

This exquisite original woodblock print marks a rare collaboration between two titans of Ukiyo-e, Utagawa Hiroshige and Utagawa Kunisada. The scene depicts a fashionable Prince Genji standing on a veranda overlooking the rocky coastline of Suma, a location renowned for its poetic, melancholic associations in Japanese literature. Prince Genji is rendered in Kunisada’s signature style, wearing an elaborate blue kimono adorned with cherry blossoms and carrying a delicate folding fan. The background landscape features Hiroshige’s masterful atmospheric perspective, with deep indigo waves and distant mountains that evoke a sense of serene isolation. The use of high-quality mineral pigments, including the sought-after Prussian blue, remains remarkably vibrant, showcasing the sophisticated printing techniques of the mid-19th century.

About the Artists
Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858) is considered the last great master of the Ukiyo-e tradition, best known for his lyrical landscapes that captured the changing seasons and moods of Japan. His work heavily influenced European Impressionists like Van Gogh and Monet. Utagawa Kunisada (1786–1865), also known as Toyokuni III, was the most popular and prolific designer of his time, renowned for his stylish depictions of kabuki actors and beautiful women. When these two masters collaborated, the resulting prints were considered the pinnacle of artistic achievement, combining the best of figure drawing and landscape painting into a single cohesive vision.

Historical Significance
This print belongs to the Genji-e craze of the mid-1800s, a period when the Japanese public was obsessed with modernized retellings of the classic Tale of Genji. Because the Tokugawa shogunate strictly censored depictions of actual royalty or high-ranking samurai, artists used the figure of Prince Genji as a "safe" way to portray luxury, fashion, and romance. The censor seals visible on the bottom right (Hama and Magome) allow us to date this specific impression precisely to the years 1847 to 1852, making it a genuine artifact from the final decades of the Edo period before Japan opened its borders to the West.

The Master Collaboration
In the competitive world of Edo-period publishing, a collaboration between Hiroshige and Kunisada was the equivalent of a modern "supergroup" release. Hiroshige provided the setting, often inspired by his famous travel series, such as the Tokaido Road, while Kunisada provided the "star" of the show. This partnership was strategically designed to appeal to collectors who wanted both the beauty of the Japanese landscape and the drama of character portraiture. The technical coordination required between the artists, the carver (Yokogawa Horitake), and the publisher (Iseya Kanekichi) is evident in how perfectly the figure integrates with the scenic background.

Specifications and Dimensions
Artists: Utagawa Hiroshige and Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Medium: Original Woodblock Print (Nishiki-e)
Subject: Prince Genji at Suma (Genji-e)
Origin: Edo (Tokyo), Japan
Date: Circa 1847-1852
Sight Size: 9.5 inches wide by 13.5 inches high
Framed Size: 14 inches wide by 20 inches high
Carver: Yokogawa Horitake

Condition Report
This antique woodblock print is in good vintage condition with impressive color retention, particularly in the deep blues and oranges of the Prince's robes. The paper shows natural age toning consistent with mid-19th-century mulberry paper. There is very minor light foxing in the sky area and a slight horizontal fold line, which is typical of prints that were originally part of an album. The print has been professionally matted and is housed in a modern black frame. Please note that the frame has been previously broken and reglued at the corners. While the repair is stable and the piece remains ready for display, the minor seams at the repair sites are visible upon close inspection. The reverse shows an older decorative backing that has protected the piece for many years.

Designers Note
This is an essential piece for a high-end interior that balances traditional East Asian aesthetics with modern sensibilities. The vertical format and "Hiroshige Blue" palette make it a perfect companion for mid-century modern furniture or minimalist decor. I love the way the black frame anchors the piece, allowing it to work as a standalone focal point in an entryway or as part of a sophisticated gallery wall in a library. It is a work that invites close inspection, revealing the intricate patterns of the kimono and the delicate carving of the pine needles.

Owning an original Hiroshige and Kunisada collaboration is a rare opportunity to possess a piece of the world’s most influential art history. This Prince Genji at Suma print is a stunning example of the technical brilliance and narrative depth that define the Ukiyo-e genre. Whether you are a dedicated collector of Japanese antiques or a lover of fine graphic art, this masterfully framed woodblock print will bring timeless elegance and historical gravitas to your home. See less