Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) – Kabuki Interior Scene – Original Woodblock Diptych, 1857 - 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 € 150 - € 200
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Original Edo-period woodblock diptych by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III), Kabuki interior scene from 1857, two Ōban sheets approx. 25 × 36 cm each, ink and colour on paper, in excellent condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Artist: Utagawa Kunisada 歌川国貞, signing as Toyokuni III 豊国 (1786–1864)
Format: Ōban tate-e, 2 sheets, each approx. 25 × 36 cm
Technique: Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and colour on paper
Date: 1857, from the censor seal,
Signature: 豊国画 (Toyokuni ga) in toshidama cartouche, on each sheet
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CONDITION
Excellent colours and impression. The diptych was professionally restored from an Edo-period album: the original album folds (one horizontal, one vertical) have been flattened and the sheets stabilised, so the paper is now firm and supple. Apart from those old, now-restored fold lines, a clean and well-preserved pair. Good condition overall. Please refer to the images for full condition detail.
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ABOUT THE PRINT
This diptych was published in the 7th month of 1857, when Kunisada was 71 and had been working as Toyokuni III for more than ten years. At this point he was the most productive and commercially successful designer of actor prints in Edo. Prints like this were published to coincide with current kabuki productions. Each figure is identified by a role name in a red cartouche, so audiences could recognise the play and the stars they had just seen on stage.
The scene takes place in an interior, and the colour scheme carries the composition. Deep greens, strong blues and warm reds and oranges are set against each other across the two sheets, giving a rich, saturated palette typical of Kunisada's actor prints from the late Ansei era.
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, signing as Toyokuni III 豊国 (1786–1864)
Format: Ōban tate-e, 2 sheets, each approx. 25 × 36 cm
Technique: Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and colour on paper
Date: 1857, from the censor seal,
Signature: 豊国画 (Toyokuni ga) in toshidama cartouche, on each sheet
________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Excellent colours and impression. The diptych was professionally restored from an Edo-period album: the original album folds (one horizontal, one vertical) have been flattened and the sheets stabilised, so the paper is now firm and supple. Apart from those old, now-restored fold lines, a clean and well-preserved pair. Good condition overall. Please refer to the images for full condition detail.
________________________________________________________
ABOUT THE PRINT
This diptych was published in the 7th month of 1857, when Kunisada was 71 and had been working as Toyokuni III for more than ten years. At this point he was the most productive and commercially successful designer of actor prints in Edo. Prints like this were published to coincide with current kabuki productions. Each figure is identified by a role name in a red cartouche, so audiences could recognise the play and the stars they had just seen on stage.
The scene takes place in an interior, and the colour scheme carries the composition. Deep greens, strong blues and warm reds and oranges are set against each other across the two sheets, giving a rich, saturated palette typical of Kunisada's actor prints from the late Ansei era.
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
Height
36 cm
Width
24 cm
Title of artwork
Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) – Kabuki Interior Scene – Original Woodblock Diptych, 1857
Condition
Excellent condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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