Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji - Utagawa Kunisada (1785-1865) - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)

Original colored Japanese woodblock print from the Edo period – Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III), about 1835

Beautiful, original Japanese colored woodblock print from the Edo period, made by Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III) about 1835.

This attractive woodblock print comes from Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji (偐紫田舎源氏), a famous illustrated novel written by Ryūtei Tanehiko (1783–1842) and illustrated by Utagawa Kunisada I (1786–1865).

The print features the following Japanese inscriptions:

- 種彦作 – Tanehiko saku – “written by Tanehiko”
- 国貞画 – Kunisada ga – “drawn by Kunisada”
- 十七編下 – volume 17, lower part

The scene presented shows ama – a woman engaged in fishing, carrying a tray of freshly caught fish on her head. This motif is linked to the coastal episodes of the Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji tale.

The work comes from the original Edo-era edition, belonging to the famous gōkan series – richly illustrated Japanese novels published during the Tenpō period.

Volume 17 is dated to about 1835.

Approximate dimensions of the print: 18 × 11 cm.

The print retains attractive, original colors, especially deep indigo blue, red, green, and purple.

Natural signs of aging are visible, including slight paper discoloration, local foxing, and stains, particularly in the lower part of the composition. The condition corresponds to the artwork’s age of about 190 years.

Please acquaint yourself carefully with the detailed photographs showing the print’s condition.

The piece has been elegantly framed in a black-and-gold frame with a wide black mat, which beautifully highlights the original colors and the historical character of the composition.

This is an authentic example of Edo-period Japanese ukiyo-e art, created by one of the most important and prolific artists of the Utagawa school.

Artwork details

- Artist: Utagawa Kunisada I / Toyokuni III
- Author of the novel: Ryūtei Tanehiko
- Title: Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji (偐紫田舎源氏)
- Volume: 17, lower part (十七編下)
- Dating: about 1835
- Era: Edo / Tenpō period
- Technique: Japanese colored woodblock print (ukiyo-e)
- Dimensions: about 18 × 11 cm
- Frame: black-gold frame, black mat
- Condition: original woodblock print with natural signs of aging

A remarkable, nearly 190-year-old example of traditional Japanese woodblock art, offering an interesting proposition for ukiyo-e collectors, lovers of Japanese history, and Oriental art enthusiasts.