Utagawa Kuniteru I · Rare Kōka-era kodomo-e triptych · Children's music recital (osarai) · Signed - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
04
days
10
hours
46
minutes
32
seconds
Current bid
€ 34
Reserve price not met
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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 € 500 - € 700
 | €34 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €31 | |
 | €28 | |
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Original Utagawa Kuniteru I Kodomo onkyoku osarai no zu triptych, a three-sheet ōban tate-e woodblock print (mokuhanga, nishiki-e) from the Edo Period, circa 1844–47, titled Children's Music Recital and signed Kuniteru ga, with provenance from a private collection and in good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
** Same design with similar condition is currently listed on Japanese Market for 200,000 YEN **
Artist: Utagawa Kuniteru I (初代 歌川国輝), active c. 1820–1860, also known as Sadashige (貞重)
Title: Kodomo onkyoku osarai no zu (子供音曲さらいの図) – "Children's Music Recital"
Subject: Children performing at a music recital (osarai)
Date: Kōka era, c. 1844–47
Technique: Woodblock print (mokuhanga), nishiki-e (polychrome)
Format: Ōban tate-e triptych (三枚続), three sheets, approx. [25 × 37 cm each]
Signature: Kuniteru ga (国輝画) on each sheet; the right sheet signed Sadashige aratame Kuniteru ga (貞重改 国輝画), "Sadashige, now Kuniteru"
Seals: Censor seal(s) and publisher's seal
_______________________________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Impression & Colours: A fair impression with colors fairly preserved. The prints presents well for their age.
Paper: Clean paper. The prints are backed. There are some visible wrinkles on the sheets which existed before backing. There is some soiling, scuff and toning. Please check the images carefully before bidding!
____________________________________________________________
The Print: A Recital for Edo's Children
An osarai was a recital where a music teacher's pupils performed in front of family, friends and other students to show what they had learned. In the merchant households of late Edo, lessons in shamisen, song and dance were a normal part of growing up, especially for girls, and recitals were important social events. The Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna holds this triptych and describes it as children at a musical competition, with several women teachers playing shamisen.
The MAK also notes a later version of the design from around 1850. In that version the title begins with "Yushima" instead of "Kodomo," the kimono patterns are often changed, and the lanterns carry characters. The present sheets have the earlier "Kodomo" title.
_________________________________________________________
Kuniteru I: Sadashige, Now Kuniteru
Kuniteru I was a pupil of Utagawa Kunisada. While his teacher used the name Kunisada, he worked as Sadashige. In 1844 Kunisada took the name Toyokuni III, and Sadashige became Kuniteru. The signature on the right sheet records this change of name, which places the triptych early in his Kuniteru period. The National Diet Library notes that he made many kodomo-e (prints of children) and kyōkun-e (instructive prints), and this design belongs to that part of his work. His prints are held in the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, among other collections.
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.
** Same design with similar condition is currently listed on Japanese Market for 200,000 YEN **
Artist: Utagawa Kuniteru I (初代 歌川国輝), active c. 1820–1860, also known as Sadashige (貞重)
Title: Kodomo onkyoku osarai no zu (子供音曲さらいの図) – "Children's Music Recital"
Subject: Children performing at a music recital (osarai)
Date: Kōka era, c. 1844–47
Technique: Woodblock print (mokuhanga), nishiki-e (polychrome)
Format: Ōban tate-e triptych (三枚続), three sheets, approx. [25 × 37 cm each]
Signature: Kuniteru ga (国輝画) on each sheet; the right sheet signed Sadashige aratame Kuniteru ga (貞重改 国輝画), "Sadashige, now Kuniteru"
Seals: Censor seal(s) and publisher's seal
_______________________________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Impression & Colours: A fair impression with colors fairly preserved. The prints presents well for their age.
Paper: Clean paper. The prints are backed. There are some visible wrinkles on the sheets which existed before backing. There is some soiling, scuff and toning. Please check the images carefully before bidding!
____________________________________________________________
The Print: A Recital for Edo's Children
An osarai was a recital where a music teacher's pupils performed in front of family, friends and other students to show what they had learned. In the merchant households of late Edo, lessons in shamisen, song and dance were a normal part of growing up, especially for girls, and recitals were important social events. The Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna holds this triptych and describes it as children at a musical competition, with several women teachers playing shamisen.
The MAK also notes a later version of the design from around 1850. In that version the title begins with "Yushima" instead of "Kodomo," the kimono patterns are often changed, and the lanterns carry characters. The present sheets have the earlier "Kodomo" title.
_________________________________________________________
Kuniteru I: Sadashige, Now Kuniteru
Kuniteru I was a pupil of Utagawa Kunisada. While his teacher used the name Kunisada, he worked as Sadashige. In 1844 Kunisada took the name Toyokuni III, and Sadashige became Kuniteru. The signature on the right sheet records this change of name, which places the triptych early in his Kuniteru period. The National Diet Library notes that he made many kodomo-e (prints of children) and kyōkun-e (instructive prints), and this design belongs to that part of his work. His prints are held in the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, among other collections.
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
73 cm
Title of artwork
Utagawa Kuniteru I · Rare Kōka-era kodomo-e triptych · Children's music recital (osarai) · Signed
Condition
Good condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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