Toyokuni III · Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Matsudaiya Shirobei · Ansei-era Kabuki · Two Sheets - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
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€ 50
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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
 | €50 | |
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 | €50 | |
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Original Utagawa Toyokuni III two-sheet Ōban Nishiki-e Kabuki print from Ansei 1855, depicting Matsudaiya Kogorō and Osen on the left sheet and Matsudaiya Shirobei on the right; signed Toyokuni ga, in excellent condition.
AI-assisted summary
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
Subject: A kabuki scene with three characters of the Matsudaiya household:
Left sheet: Matsudaiya Kogorō (松台屋小五郎) and Kogorō's wife Osen (小五郎女房おせん)
Right sheet: Matsudaiya Shirobei (松台屋四郎兵衛)
Format: Ōban, two sheets, each ca. [24 × 36 cm]
Technique: Nishiki-e (full-colour woodblock print)
Date: Ansei 2 (1855), 7th month
Signature / seals: Signed Toyokuni ga on each sheet.
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Condition: Excellent impression with excellent saturated colours throughout. The paper is firm and subtle. Please check the images for minor issues!
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About the print
This work is not well documented in any international source. Kodanji IV was the leading actor of rough, realistic commoner and thief roles in the 1850s. Kumesaburō III was a popular young onnagata who later became Iwai Hanshirō VIII. Kunisada was then the most productive designer of actor prints in Edo, and the same scene was published by more than one publisher.
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
Subject: A kabuki scene with three characters of the Matsudaiya household:
Left sheet: Matsudaiya Kogorō (松台屋小五郎) and Kogorō's wife Osen (小五郎女房おせん)
Right sheet: Matsudaiya Shirobei (松台屋四郎兵衛)
Format: Ōban, two sheets, each ca. [24 × 36 cm]
Technique: Nishiki-e (full-colour woodblock print)
Date: Ansei 2 (1855), 7th month
Signature / seals: Signed Toyokuni ga on each sheet.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Condition: Excellent impression with excellent saturated colours throughout. The paper is firm and subtle. Please check the images for minor issues!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
About the print
This work is not well documented in any international source. Kodanji IV was the leading actor of rough, realistic commoner and thief roles in the 1850s. Kumesaburō III was a popular young onnagata who later became Iwai Hanshirō VIII. Kunisada was then the most productive designer of actor prints in Edo, and the same scene was published by more than one publisher.
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
48 cm
Title of artwork
Toyokuni III · Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Matsudaiya Shirobei · Ansei-era Kabuki · Two Sheets
Condition
Excellent condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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