Toyokuni UTAGAWA III

First edition of this tale. 15 comic tales were published in this series bringing together the writer Tanezaku and the painter Utagawa Toyokuni Kunisada. One color illustration on double page and embossed paper, 2 on double page in grey and black wash, 15 in black and white on double page, 2 single page.
Japanese accordion binding. Sky blue cover with wheel and flower motifs. Title label. 1cm wormhole affecting the last 10 leaves. Soiling to left corner corresponding to the thumb that handled the leaves across several pages.
Very fine illustration by one of the masters of printmaking, Kunisada.

Original print. Actor dressed as a lord carrying an umbrella (wagasa) and a lantern. Rich black, red and blue kimono. Several cartouches with inscriptions, including the artist's; the play and role performed by the actor have unfortunately remained indecipherable.
Very handsome condition with rubbing in the cream areas of the ground. The print is presented under an ivory mat. Orange varnished beech frame (41.5x52cm) with some rubbing. Under glass.
Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865), also known by the artist name Utagawa Toyokuni III. Undisputed master of Japanese printmaking, he is one of the most popular and prolific artists of the floating world, justly celebrated for his representations of kabuki actors.

Original print. Actor dressed as a lord, in armor, holding a lance. Rich black, red and blue kimono. The scene takes place at night, with black and blue background. Several cartouches with inscriptions, including the artist's; the play and role performed by the actor have unfortunately remained indecipherable.
Very handsome condition. The print is presented under an ivory mat. Orange varnished beech frame (41.5x52cm) with some rubbing. Under glass. Oban format print.
Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865), also known by the artist name Utagawa Toyokuni III. Undisputed master of Japanese printmaking, he is one of the most popular and prolific artists of the floating world, justly celebrated for his representations of kabuki actors.

Original print printed between 1847 and 1854. Cut with a one-centimeter margin. Modern framing done in Tokyo with label on the back: Jinbocho Kanda Tokyo. Japan. Kingyokudo & co. Varnished mahogany frame. The print has a tiny adhesive on a margin connecting it to the mount. A polystyrene plate and a Japanese wood panel on the back. Small pivoting rivets allow quick access to the engraving. A removable fabric cord allows hanging the engraving. The whole is housed in a cardboard box.
Print on rice or mulberry paper. One vertical fold. Frame dimensions: 35x50cm. Print: 23.5x35cm.
Very handsome print with refined staging and colors. Under a flowering cherry tree, a lord and his squire observe three women at the water's edge waving fans; they all carry swords. The kimono fabrics are particularly complex and very different. Utagawa Kunisada is one of the most famous and popular artists of the 19th century, and also one of the most prolific; he dominated the print market for several decades.