KUNISADA • Yellow (Ki) · Ukiyo Goshiki Awase · ca. 1843–47 • Japanese Woodblock Print - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
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Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
Estimate € 180 - € 280
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Original Edo-period woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada (signed Toyokuni II), Ki 黄 (Yellow) from Ukiyo Goshiki Awase, ca. 1843–47, Ōban Tate-e format about 24 × 36 cm, Japan, in good condition with colours and a strong impression.
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Description from the seller
Artist: Utagawa Kunisada 歌川国貞 (1786–1865), signing as Toyokuni II
Title: Ki 黄 (Yellow)
Series: Ukiyo Goshiki Awase 浮世五色合 (Comparison of Five Colours in the Floating World)
Date: ca. 1843–47 (Tenpō 14 – Kōka 4)
Publisher: Sanoya Kihei 佐野喜 (Kikakudō)
Text: Shikitei Kosanba 式亭小三馬, with his seal
Signature / seals: Signed Ōju Kunisada aratame nidai Toyokuni ga 應需国貞改二代豊国画
Technique: Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and colour on paper
Format: Ōban tate-e, approx. [24 × 36 cm]
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Condition: Good colours and a strong impression. The paper shows notable toning; the main composition remains well preserved. There is minor soiling at the left upper corner. Overall good condition. Please check the images!
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About the print:
Ukiyo Goshiki Awase takes its theme from the five colours of classical Chinese and Japanese thought – blue-green, yellow, red, white and black – each tied to one of the five elements. Kunisada pairs each colour with a beauty of contemporary Edo, while the text above turns the colour into a witty little essay. Here the colour is yellow, which the text opens by linking to the element earth, before playing on the many meanings of yellow and gold (黄金, kogane) in everyday life, history and legend.
The text was written by Shikitei Kosanba, son of the famous comic novelist Shikitei Sanba (author of Ukiyoburo, "The Floating World Bathhouse"), who carried on his father's literary name. This kind of collaboration between a popular writer and a leading print designer was typical of the 1840s, when the Tenpō reforms had banned prints of courtesans and actors, and publishers shifted to "educational" or literary themes as a framework for images of ordinary townswomen.
The signature is itself a small piece of history. In 1844 Kunisada took the name of his teacher, Utagawa Toyokuni, and signed as "Toyokuni II" – although art historians today count him as Toyokuni III, since another pupil, Toyoshige, had used the name before him. Sheets signed "Kunisada aratame nidai Toyokuni" come from the first years after the name change, when Kunisada was at the height of his popularity and Edo's most productive print designer.
Seller's Story
I've been collecting Japanese woodblock prints for quite a while now — everything from classic ukiyo-e to shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga. What started as a personal passion eventually turned into something more, and these days I source prints from auctions, galleries, and private collections across Japan and Europe.
With growing worldwide interest in Japanese woodblock prints, gallery prices have been climbing steadily. My goal is simple: offer high-quality, authentic prints at reasonable prices. I'm picky about what I sell — I look for pieces that have been stored properly, kept flat, and are free from serious foxing, stains, or damage.
I'm based in Germany, which means EU buyers won't deal with any import duties or taxes. For US buyers, original artworks under HS code 9702 are duty-free as well. And wherever you are, I pack everything carefully with multiple layers of protection so your print arrives safely.
If you have questions about a piece, just reach out. You will get access to contact me once you've won an item from my lots.
Artist: Utagawa Kunisada 歌川国貞 (1786–1865), signing as Toyokuni II
Title: Ki 黄 (Yellow)
Series: Ukiyo Goshiki Awase 浮世五色合 (Comparison of Five Colours in the Floating World)
Date: ca. 1843–47 (Tenpō 14 – Kōka 4)
Publisher: Sanoya Kihei 佐野喜 (Kikakudō)
Text: Shikitei Kosanba 式亭小三馬, with his seal
Signature / seals: Signed Ōju Kunisada aratame nidai Toyokuni ga 應需国貞改二代豊国画
Technique: Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and colour on paper
Format: Ōban tate-e, approx. [24 × 36 cm]
-----------------------------------
Condition: Good colours and a strong impression. The paper shows notable toning; the main composition remains well preserved. There is minor soiling at the left upper corner. Overall good condition. Please check the images!
-----------------------------------
About the print:
Ukiyo Goshiki Awase takes its theme from the five colours of classical Chinese and Japanese thought – blue-green, yellow, red, white and black – each tied to one of the five elements. Kunisada pairs each colour with a beauty of contemporary Edo, while the text above turns the colour into a witty little essay. Here the colour is yellow, which the text opens by linking to the element earth, before playing on the many meanings of yellow and gold (黄金, kogane) in everyday life, history and legend.
The text was written by Shikitei Kosanba, son of the famous comic novelist Shikitei Sanba (author of Ukiyoburo, "The Floating World Bathhouse"), who carried on his father's literary name. This kind of collaboration between a popular writer and a leading print designer was typical of the 1840s, when the Tenpō reforms had banned prints of courtesans and actors, and publishers shifted to "educational" or literary themes as a framework for images of ordinary townswomen.
The signature is itself a small piece of history. In 1844 Kunisada took the name of his teacher, Utagawa Toyokuni, and signed as "Toyokuni II" – although art historians today count him as Toyokuni III, since another pupil, Toyoshige, had used the name before him. Sheets signed "Kunisada aratame nidai Toyokuni" come from the first years after the name change, when Kunisada was at the height of his popularity and Edo's most productive print designer.
Seller's Story
I've been collecting Japanese woodblock prints for quite a while now — everything from classic ukiyo-e to shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga. What started as a personal passion eventually turned into something more, and these days I source prints from auctions, galleries, and private collections across Japan and Europe.
With growing worldwide interest in Japanese woodblock prints, gallery prices have been climbing steadily. My goal is simple: offer high-quality, authentic prints at reasonable prices. I'm picky about what I sell — I look for pieces that have been stored properly, kept flat, and are free from serious foxing, stains, or damage.
I'm based in Germany, which means EU buyers won't deal with any import duties or taxes. For US buyers, original artworks under HS code 9702 are duty-free as well. And wherever you are, I pack everything carefully with multiple layers of protection so your print arrives safely.
If you have questions about a piece, just reach out. You will get access to contact me once you've won an item from my lots.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Edo Period (1600-1868)
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Height
36 cm
Width
24 cm
Title of artwork
KUNISADA • Yellow (Ki) · Ukiyo Goshiki Awase · ca. 1843–47 • Japanese Woodblock Print
Condition
Good condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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