UTAGAWA TOYOKUNI I — Nakamura Utaemon III as Igami no Gonta · Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura · Early - 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.
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Original Japanese Edo-period woodblock print by Utagawa Toyokuni I, depicting Nakamura Utaemon III as Igami no Gonta in Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura, circa 1808, Ōban tate-e, in fair condition with some repairs and private collection provenance.
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Description from the seller
UTAGAWA TOYOKUNI I (1769–1825)
Title: Igami no Gonta, Nakamura Utaemon いがミの権太 中村歌右衛門 (The actor Nakamura Utaemon III as Igami no Gonta)
Play: Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura 義経千本桜 (Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees)
Signature: 豊国画 (Toyokuni ga)
Date: Late Edo period, probably 1808 (Bunka 5)
Format: Ōban tate-e, approx. [37 × 25 cm]
Technique: Woodblock print (mokuhanga), polychrome (nishiki-e)
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Paper & condition
The print is in a fair condition with moderate soiling, toning and fading. The paper is firm and subtle with some repairs. Please check the images carefully!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Scene
Nakamura Utaemon III (1778–1838) was the leading actor of Osaka and one of the most versatile performers of his age, equally at home in heroic, villainous and female roles. In the spring of 1808 he came to Edo for the first time, and within weeks he took on all three male leads of the classic Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura at the Nakamura-za. His Edo years set off a famous rivalry with Bandō Mitsugorō III and made him one of the most frequently portrayed actors of the Bunka era.
Igami no Gonta is the black sheep of the play: a gambler and petty swindler, the disowned son of a sushi-shop owner in Yoshino. In the famous "Sushiya" act he appears to betray the fugitive Taira general Koremori, but is revealed in his dying moments to have sacrificed his own wife and child to save him. This sudden turn from villain to loyal hero (a modori role) made Gonta one of the great showpiece parts of kabuki, and it was counted among Utaemon III's finest roles.
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.
UTAGAWA TOYOKUNI I (1769–1825)
Title: Igami no Gonta, Nakamura Utaemon いがミの権太 中村歌右衛門 (The actor Nakamura Utaemon III as Igami no Gonta)
Play: Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura 義経千本桜 (Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees)
Signature: 豊国画 (Toyokuni ga)
Date: Late Edo period, probably 1808 (Bunka 5)
Format: Ōban tate-e, approx. [37 × 25 cm]
Technique: Woodblock print (mokuhanga), polychrome (nishiki-e)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Paper & condition
The print is in a fair condition with moderate soiling, toning and fading. The paper is firm and subtle with some repairs. Please check the images carefully!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Scene
Nakamura Utaemon III (1778–1838) was the leading actor of Osaka and one of the most versatile performers of his age, equally at home in heroic, villainous and female roles. In the spring of 1808 he came to Edo for the first time, and within weeks he took on all three male leads of the classic Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura at the Nakamura-za. His Edo years set off a famous rivalry with Bandō Mitsugorō III and made him one of the most frequently portrayed actors of the Bunka era.
Igami no Gonta is the black sheep of the play: a gambler and petty swindler, the disowned son of a sushi-shop owner in Yoshino. In the famous "Sushiya" act he appears to betray the fugitive Taira general Koremori, but is revealed in his dying moments to have sacrificed his own wife and child to save him. This sudden turn from villain to loyal hero (a modori role) made Gonta one of the great showpiece parts of kabuki, and it was counted among Utaemon III's finest roles.
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
Title of artwork
UTAGAWA TOYOKUNI I — Nakamura Utaemon III as Igami no Gonta · Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura · Early
Condition
Fair condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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