Utagawa Kuniyoshi · Genji Kumo Ukiyo-e Awase · Chapter 26 Tokonatsu · Danshichi Kurobei · Natsu - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
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Original Edo-period Utagawa Kuniyoshi woodblock print from Genji kumo ukiyo-e awase, Tokonatsu No. 26 featuring Danshichi Kurobei and Ōtori Sagaemon; Ōban tate-e, approx. 24 × 36 cm, ink and colour on paper, c. 1845–46, published by Iseya Ichibei with Watanabe censor seal, signed Hanagasa-ō and Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi ga, provenance Private collection, excellent condition.
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Description from the seller
Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi 歌川國芳 (1797–1861)
Series: Genji kumo ukiyo-e awase 源氏雲浮世画合 (Ukiyo-e Comparisons of the Cloudy Chapters of Genji)
Title: No. 26, Tokonatsu 常夏 (Wild Carnations): Danshichi Kurobei 團七九郎兵衛 and Ōtori Sagaemon 大鳥佐賀右エ門
Format: Ōban tate-e, approx. 24 × 36 cm
Technique: Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and colour on paper
Date: c. 1845–46
Publisher: Iseya Ichibei 伊勢屋市兵衛 (seal 伊勢市)
Censor seal: Watanabe (渡)
Signature: 一勇齋國芳画 (Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi ga), with the artist's kiri seal
Text: Signed Hanagasa-ō 花笠翁
Reference: Robinson S45.26
________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Very good color, good impression, light soiling and minor trimming outside the image area. The paper is clean, firm and sublte! Please check the images!
-------------------------------------------------------
About the print
In Genji kumo ukiyo-e awase, Kuniyoshi paired each chapter of the Tale of Genji with a scene from kabuki or popular legend. Each sheet carries a poem, the chapter's Genji incense symbol and a matching emblem on a scroll at the top. Here the chapter is Tokonatsu ("Wild Carnations", literally "Everlasting Summer"). It is matched with the great summer play of the Osaka stage, Natsu Matsuri Naniwa Kagami ("Summer Festival: Mirror of Osaka").
Danshichi Kurobei is a fishmonger and a tough, loyal commoner. He is the play's hero, and he is famous for the climactic murder of his father-in-law in a muddy field during the summer festival. His opponent here is Ōtori Sagaemon, the villainous samurai whose schemes drive the plot.
Danshichi was one of the favourite roles of the Edo stage. Kuniyoshi drew him many times, and this is one of the most characterful subjects in the series.
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 Kuniyoshi 歌川國芳 (1797–1861)
Series: Genji kumo ukiyo-e awase 源氏雲浮世画合 (Ukiyo-e Comparisons of the Cloudy Chapters of Genji)
Title: No. 26, Tokonatsu 常夏 (Wild Carnations): Danshichi Kurobei 團七九郎兵衛 and Ōtori Sagaemon 大鳥佐賀右エ門
Format: Ōban tate-e, approx. 24 × 36 cm
Technique: Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and colour on paper
Date: c. 1845–46
Publisher: Iseya Ichibei 伊勢屋市兵衛 (seal 伊勢市)
Censor seal: Watanabe (渡)
Signature: 一勇齋國芳画 (Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi ga), with the artist's kiri seal
Text: Signed Hanagasa-ō 花笠翁
Reference: Robinson S45.26
________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Very good color, good impression, light soiling and minor trimming outside the image area. The paper is clean, firm and sublte! Please check the images!
-------------------------------------------------------
About the print
In Genji kumo ukiyo-e awase, Kuniyoshi paired each chapter of the Tale of Genji with a scene from kabuki or popular legend. Each sheet carries a poem, the chapter's Genji incense symbol and a matching emblem on a scroll at the top. Here the chapter is Tokonatsu ("Wild Carnations", literally "Everlasting Summer"). It is matched with the great summer play of the Osaka stage, Natsu Matsuri Naniwa Kagami ("Summer Festival: Mirror of Osaka").
Danshichi Kurobei is a fishmonger and a tough, loyal commoner. He is the play's hero, and he is famous for the climactic murder of his father-in-law in a muddy field during the summer festival. His opponent here is Ōtori Sagaemon, the villainous samurai whose schemes drive the plot.
Danshichi was one of the favourite roles of the Edo stage. Kuniyoshi drew him many times, and this is one of the most characterful subjects in the series.
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)
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Title of artwork
Utagawa Kuniyoshi · Genji Kumo Ukiyo-e Awase · Chapter 26 Tokonatsu · Danshichi Kurobei · Natsu
Condition
Excellent condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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