RARE UTAGAWA KUNIMASA — SOGA NO GORŌ AND ASAHINA, EDO KABUKI OF THE 1790s–1800s - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
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€ 105
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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 € 200 - € 300
 | €105 | |
|---|---|---|
| €75 | |
| €56 | |
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Original Utagawa Kunimasa hosoban woodblock print from the late Edo period (c. 1795–1805), depicting Matsumoto Kōshirō as Soga no Gorō Tokimune and Ichikawa Omezō as Kobayashi no Asahina, in polychrome nishiki-e with a fair condition and minor margin repairs.
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Description from the seller
UTAGAWA KUNIMASA (1773–1810)
Title: The actors Matsumoto Kōshirō as Soga no Gorō Tokimune (曽我五郎時宗) and Ichikawa Omezō as Kobayashi no Asahina (小林朝比奈)
Signature: 國政画 (Kunimasa ga)
Date: Late Edo period, c. 1795–1805
Format: Hosoban (narrow vertical format) approx, 32 × 15 cm
Technique: Woodblock print (mokuhanga), polychrome (nishiki-e)
Genre: Yakusha-e (actor print)
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Paper & condition
The print is in a fair condition with moderate soiling, toning. The composition is well preserved The paper has some repairs on the margins. Fair condition overall! Please check the images carefully!
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The Scene
Utagawa Kunimasa is one of the most admired and least common designers of the early Utagawa school. He came to Edo from Aizu and worked as a textile dyer before training under Utagawa Toyokuni I. His career as a print designer was short, roughly the second half of the 1790s into the early 1800s. His actor portraits are known for their strong, characterful likenesses. Kunimasa prints are far scarcer on the market than those of his teacher or his fellow pupils.
The subject comes from the Soga story, the most performed revenge tale in Edo kabuki. In 1193 the brothers Soga Jūrō and Soga Gorō Tokimune avenged their father by killing his murderer, Kudō Suketsune. Every New Year, the Edo theatres staged a new Soga play. Gorō is the hot-tempered hero, played in the bold aragoto style. Kobayashi no Asahina is the good-humoured strongman who holds him back until the time is right. The pairing of the two became one of the stock images of the Edo stage.
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 KUNIMASA (1773–1810)
Title: The actors Matsumoto Kōshirō as Soga no Gorō Tokimune (曽我五郎時宗) and Ichikawa Omezō as Kobayashi no Asahina (小林朝比奈)
Signature: 國政画 (Kunimasa ga)
Date: Late Edo period, c. 1795–1805
Format: Hosoban (narrow vertical format) approx, 32 × 15 cm
Technique: Woodblock print (mokuhanga), polychrome (nishiki-e)
Genre: Yakusha-e (actor print)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Paper & condition
The print is in a fair condition with moderate soiling, toning. The composition is well preserved The paper has some repairs on the margins. Fair condition overall! Please check the images carefully!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Scene
Utagawa Kunimasa is one of the most admired and least common designers of the early Utagawa school. He came to Edo from Aizu and worked as a textile dyer before training under Utagawa Toyokuni I. His career as a print designer was short, roughly the second half of the 1790s into the early 1800s. His actor portraits are known for their strong, characterful likenesses. Kunimasa prints are far scarcer on the market than those of his teacher or his fellow pupils.
The subject comes from the Soga story, the most performed revenge tale in Edo kabuki. In 1193 the brothers Soga Jūrō and Soga Gorō Tokimune avenged their father by killing his murderer, Kudō Suketsune. Every New Year, the Edo theatres staged a new Soga play. Gorō is the hot-tempered hero, played in the bold aragoto style. Kobayashi no Asahina is the good-humoured strongman who holds him back until the time is right. The pairing of the two became one of the stock images of the Edo stage.
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
RARE UTAGAWA KUNIMASA — SOGA NO GORŌ AND ASAHINA, EDO KABUKI OF THE 1790s–1800s
Condition
Fair condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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