Original Antique Utagawa Kuniyoshi Woodblock Print, Tōsei Bijin Awase, Kuniyoshi Cat

Details

Description

Authentic 19th-century Edo-period Japanese woodblock print by celebrated ukiyo-e master Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861). This original vertical oban tate-e print is … Read more Authentic 19th-century Edo-period Japanese woodblock print by celebrated ukiyo-e master Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861). This original vertical oban tate-e print is from the series Tōsei Bijin Awase: Go-sekku no Uchi, translated as “Comparison of Modern Beauties for the Five Festivals.”

This composition celebrates Tango no Sekku, also known as the Iris Festival. The central bijin, or beauty, is shown in an intricate indigo blue-patterned kimono, holding a calligraphy brush and lacquer box. A small cat peeks out from behind a potted iris, a highly desirable “Kuniyoshi cat” detail that will appeal to collectors familiar with Kuniyoshi’s celebrated use of cats in his work. A circular inset at the upper right includes a figure connected to the festival’s traditional themes of strength and protection.

The front bears the artist signature “Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi ga,” meaning “drawn by Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi.” The print also includes Japanese inscriptions, publisher-style marks, and a kiwame censor seal. The publisher is identified as Kikugawa-ya Ichibei, consistent with the Edo-period printing from circa 1832–1833.

The visible print measures approximately 10.5"W x 15"H and is laid down on a dramatic oversized textile-covered cardstock mount measuring 14"W x 36"H overall. The tall 36-inch mounted presentation gives the piece a strong architectural presence, ideal for a narrow wall, gallery grouping, entryway, study, or Japanese-inspired interior.

This specific series, Comparison of Modern Beauties for the Five Festivals, is well documented but less commonly encountered than Kuniyoshi’s warrior prints, making this an appealing find for a specialized collector of bijin-ga, Edo-period prints, Japanese cat imagery, and ukiyo-e.

A compelling antique Japanese woodblock print with historic character, desirable subject matter, and dramatic wall presence. It would be an excellent candidate for professional float mounting within a custom frame, preserving the irregular antique paper edges while giving the piece modern stability and presentation.


PROVENANCE & HISTORY
The reverse of the oversized mount features a legacy pencil inscription reading “By Toyokuni, 1900.” This is a fascinating artifact of the Japonisme era, representing when the piece was acquired, cataloged, or attributed by a Western collector at the turn of the century.

While “Toyokuni” was a common early 20th-century attribution for Utagawa-school works, the print itself bears the signature “Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi ga” and period-style censor and publisher marks on the face of the work. The reverse notation is preserved as part of the object’s collecting history.


SIGNATURE
Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi ga
Translation: Drawn by Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi


PUBLISHER
Kikugawa-ya Ichibei


CENSOR SEAL
Kiwame


DATE OF MANUFACTURE
Circa 1832–1833


STYLE
Japanese
Asian Antique
Traditional
Chinoiserie


MATERIALS
Paper
Ink
Textile
Cardstock
Board


DIMENSIONS
Visible Print / Art:
Width: 10.5 in
Height: 15 in

Overall Mounted Size:
Width: 14 in
Height: 36 in
Depth: Approx. 0.25 in


CONDITION
Print: The Edo-period woodblock print retains good decorative clarity and legible lines, displaying aged indigo, black, cream, and muted tan tones. Minor foxing and minor paper loss consistent with age are present. Key legible elements include the central figure, intricate kimono patterning, the highly desirable Kuniyoshi cat, potted irises, calligraphy, circular inset, and printed marks.

Mount: The print is laid down on a found-style, large oversized textile-covered cardstock mount. The mount shows significant heavy wear, including staining, discoloration, abrasions, fraying, small losses, surface distress, and extensive age-related damage. While having considerable condition issues, the mount creates a dramatic tall silhouette and provides the piece with a large-scale wall presence.

Verso: The reverse of the mount exhibits age-related toning, adhesive residue, surface wear, staining, and a clear vertical crack or split. Pencil notations are present, including the legacy inscription 'By Toyokuni, 1900,' which adds to the piece's provenance and collecting history.

Overall: A rare and compelling authentic Edo-period Japanese woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi with appealing aged wear, strong visual presence, and desirable 'cat' subject matter. This piece possesses true wabi-sabi character and presents beautifully in its as-found condition. See less