Antique Edo Period Japanese Kabuki Woodblock Print, Framed – Utagawa Kunisada

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A striking antique Japanese kabuki woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada I (1786–1865), later known as Toyokuni III, beautifully presented in … Read more A striking antique Japanese kabuki woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada I (1786–1865), later known as Toyokuni III, beautifully presented in a vintage dark wood frame with distressed gilt inner molding and a wide warm-toned textile mat.

Dating in design to 1851, the composition depicts actor Sawamura Chōjūrō V in the role of Nagai Uma-no-kami in the kabuki play Ōtōnomiya Asahi no Yoroi, performed at the Kawarazaki-za theater in Edo. The richly patterned costume of the central figure is rendered in a particularly attractive palette of turquoise, rust, black, cream and gold tones, giving the work wonderful decorative presence.

The print bears Kunisada’s Kōchōrō Toyokuni ga signature, together with the mark of publisher Daikokuya Heikichi and the Kinugasa and Murata censor seals.

An example of this exact composition is documented in the collection/database of the Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum at Waseda University, artwork no. 006-1527, allowing the actor, role, play, theater and 1851 performance to be identified with unusual specificity.

Kunisada was one of the leading ukiyo-e artists of 19th-century Japan and was especially celebrated for his yakusha-e, or kabuki actor imagery. This example combines that theatrical history with a handsome vintage presentation that gives the approximately 10 by 13 inch visible artwork a substantial 17 by 22 inch presence on the wall.

The reverse retains its older paper backing, hanging wire and a vintage Route 23 Artist Supply label from Pompton Plains, New Jersey.

The visible print exhibits age-related toning and scattered discoloration while retaining attractive color and strong overall presentation. The vintage frame and textile mat show age-related wear and discoloration. The older paper backing has significant areas of old moisture staining, as photographed.

The print has not been removed from its vintage framing. The reverse of the sheet, concealed margins and mounting method have therefore not been examined. The 1851 date refers to the identified design and documented theatrical performance; the exact printing date of this particular impression has not been independently established.

Visible artwork: approximately 10”W × 13”H
Overall: 17”W × 1”D × 22”H See less