Toyokuni III · Nezumi Kozō Play by Mokuami · Ichikawa Kodanji IV · 1857 · Two Sheets of a Triptych - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
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Two sheets from an Edo-period Nishiki-e triptych by Utagawa Toyokuni III (signed Toyokuni ga), dating to early 1857, in Ōban format (about 24 × 36 cm per sheet) with good colour and impression, depicting Nezumi Kozō theatre subjects for the play by Mokuami in collaboration with Ichikawa Kodanji IV.
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Description from the seller
Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni III (歌川豊国, 1786–1864), formerly Kunisada I, signed Toyokuni ga (豊国画) in a toshidama cartouche on each sheet
Title: 鼠小紋東君新形 — Nezumi Komon Haru no Shingata ("The Mouse-Pattern Kimono: New Designs for Spring")
Subject: Two sheets from a kabuki triptych:
Left sheet: Yokichi, son of Yosobē (与惣兵衛忰与吉), with a constable (とり手, torite)
Centre sheet: Matsubaya Matsuyama (松葉屋松山)
Format: Ōban, two sheets of a triptych, each ca. [24 × 36 cm]
Technique: Nishiki-e (full-colour woodblock print)
Date: Ansei 4 (1857), 1st month
Publisher: Kagaya Kichiemon (加賀屋吉右衛門)
Signature / seals: Signed Toyokuni ga on each sheet. Aratame (改) censor seal and Snake-year 1st-month date seal (巳正), plus publisher's seal, on each sheet
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Condition: Good impression with good colour throughout. The paper is firm and subtle. Minor loss and minor soiling to each sheet. Please refer to the images for full detail!
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About the print
Nezumi Komon Haru no Shingata was written by Kawatake Mokuami (then Kawatake Shinshichi II). It is based on the real thief Nezumi Kozō Jirokichi, who was executed in 1832 and became a popular folk hero. Mokuami wrote the play for Ichikawa Kodanji IV, and it became one of the best-known works of their partnership in thief plays.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Library holds a copy of this triptych. Its record dates the design to the first month of Ansei 4 (1857) and links it to the Ichimura-za production that opened on the 14th day of that month. The record names the cast as follows: Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Yokichi, Onoe Kikugorō IV as the courtesan Matsuyama, and Kawarazaki Gonjūrō I as Bunza on the missing right sheet. It identifies the constable, with some uncertainty, as Ichikawa Yonegorō I. Gonjūrō later became Ichikawa Danjūrō IX.
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 Toyokuni III (歌川豊国, 1786–1864), formerly Kunisada I, signed Toyokuni ga (豊国画) in a toshidama cartouche on each sheet
Title: 鼠小紋東君新形 — Nezumi Komon Haru no Shingata ("The Mouse-Pattern Kimono: New Designs for Spring")
Subject: Two sheets from a kabuki triptych:
Left sheet: Yokichi, son of Yosobē (与惣兵衛忰与吉), with a constable (とり手, torite)
Centre sheet: Matsubaya Matsuyama (松葉屋松山)
Format: Ōban, two sheets of a triptych, each ca. [24 × 36 cm]
Technique: Nishiki-e (full-colour woodblock print)
Date: Ansei 4 (1857), 1st month
Publisher: Kagaya Kichiemon (加賀屋吉右衛門)
Signature / seals: Signed Toyokuni ga on each sheet. Aratame (改) censor seal and Snake-year 1st-month date seal (巳正), plus publisher's seal, on each sheet
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Condition: Good impression with good colour throughout. The paper is firm and subtle. Minor loss and minor soiling to each sheet. Please refer to the images for full detail!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
About the print
Nezumi Komon Haru no Shingata was written by Kawatake Mokuami (then Kawatake Shinshichi II). It is based on the real thief Nezumi Kozō Jirokichi, who was executed in 1832 and became a popular folk hero. Mokuami wrote the play for Ichikawa Kodanji IV, and it became one of the best-known works of their partnership in thief plays.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Library holds a copy of this triptych. Its record dates the design to the first month of Ansei 4 (1857) and links it to the Ichimura-za production that opened on the 14th day of that month. The record names the cast as follows: Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Yokichi, Onoe Kikugorō IV as the courtesan Matsuyama, and Kawarazaki Gonjūrō I as Bunza on the missing right sheet. It identifies the constable, with some uncertainty, as Ichikawa Yonegorō I. Gonjūrō later became Ichikawa Danjūrō IX.
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
Toyokuni III · Nezumi Kozō Play by Mokuami · Ichikawa Kodanji IV · 1857 · Two Sheets of a Triptych
Condition
Fair condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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