UTAGAWA TOYOKUNI I — EDO-PERIOD BEAUTY (BIJIN-GA), KIWAME CENSOR SEAL - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
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Current bid
€ 35
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Expert
Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
Estimate € 150 - € 250
 | €35 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €30 | |
| €25 | |
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Original Edo-period woodblock print by Utagawa Toyokuni I, a bijin-ga of a beauty, Ōban tate-e format measuring approximately 37 × 25 cm, with a kiwame censorship seal, in fair condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
UTAGAWA TOYOKUNI I (1769–1825)
Title: Bijin awase びじんあわせ (A Contest of Beautiful Women)
Signature: 豊国画 (Toyokuni ga)
Date: Late Edo period, 1811–14
Seal: Hamakō 濱幸
Format: Ōban tate-e, approx. 37 × 25 cm
Technique: Woodblock print (mokuhanga), polychrome (nishiki-e)
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Paper & condition
The print is in a fair condition with moderate soiling, toning and fading. The paper is firm and subtle. Please check the images carefully!
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The Scene
Utagawa Toyokuni I was the son of Kurahashi Gorobei, a woodcarver of dolls in the Shiba Shinmei district of Edo. As a child he trained under Utagawa Toyoharu, the founder of the Utagawa school. His series Yakusha butai no sugata-e (Portraits of Actors on Stage), published from 1794 by Izumiya Ichibei, made his name. He went on to become the leading designer of actor prints and beauties of his generation. His pupils included Kunisada and Kuniyoshi, and under him the Utagawa school became the largest and most influential school of ukiyo-e in the 19th century.
This sheet is a bijin-ga, a print of a beautiful woman, one of the two main genres of Toyokuni's work alongside actor prints. The round kiwame ("approved") seal is a censorship mark used on Edo prints between 1790 and the early 1840s. It confirms that this is a period impression from the late Edo period, not a later reproduction.
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.
UTAGAWA TOYOKUNI I (1769–1825)
Title: Bijin awase びじんあわせ (A Contest of Beautiful Women)
Signature: 豊国画 (Toyokuni ga)
Date: Late Edo period, 1811–14
Seal: Hamakō 濱幸
Format: Ōban tate-e, approx. 37 × 25 cm
Technique: Woodblock print (mokuhanga), polychrome (nishiki-e)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Paper & condition
The print is in a fair condition with moderate soiling, toning and fading. The paper is firm and subtle. Please check the images carefully!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Scene
Utagawa Toyokuni I was the son of Kurahashi Gorobei, a woodcarver of dolls in the Shiba Shinmei district of Edo. As a child he trained under Utagawa Toyoharu, the founder of the Utagawa school. His series Yakusha butai no sugata-e (Portraits of Actors on Stage), published from 1794 by Izumiya Ichibei, made his name. He went on to become the leading designer of actor prints and beauties of his generation. His pupils included Kunisada and Kuniyoshi, and under him the Utagawa school became the largest and most influential school of ukiyo-e in the 19th century.
This sheet is a bijin-ga, a print of a beautiful woman, one of the two main genres of Toyokuni's work alongside actor prints. The round kiwame ("approved") seal is a censorship mark used on Edo prints between 1790 and the early 1840s. It confirms that this is a period impression from the late Edo period, not a later reproduction.
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
Title of artwork
UTAGAWA TOYOKUNI I — EDO-PERIOD BEAUTY (BIJIN-GA), KIWAME CENSOR SEAL
Condition
Fair condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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