Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) · Beauty painting a fan · Sign of the Dragon from “Among the Twelve - 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.
Estimate € 150 - € 250
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This original 1849 polychrome woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III), from the series “Among the Twelve Zodiac Signs”, depicts a beauty painting a fan beside a dragon panel and measures 24 × 36 cm.
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Description from the seller
歌川国貞 (三代豊国) — UTAGAWA KUNISADA / TOYOKUNI III (1786–1864)
Title: The Dragon (辰, Tatsu)
Series: Among the Twelve Zodiac Signs (十二支の内, Jūnishi no uchi)
Date: 1849 (Kaei 2)
Technique: Woodblock print (mokuhanga), polychrome (nishiki-e)
Format: Ōban tate-e, [24 × 36 cm]
Signature: Toyokuni ga (豊国画), in a toshidama cartouche
________________________________________
Condition: The colours and impression are well preserved. The paper has become soft and has creases across the sheet. There is also toning and soiling. Sold as antique, please check the images carefully!
________________________________________
About the Print
This sheet comes from Kunisada’s series Jūnishi no uchi (Among the Twelve Zodiac Signs), in which each of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac is paired with a beauty. The title cartouche names the sign shown here: Tatsu (辰), the Dragon, the fifth of the twelve signs. In the traditional calendar, the Dragon was also linked to the third month and to the morning hours from about seven to nine o’clock.
The design shows a beauty painting a fan at a low table, with her brushes, a water bowl and small dishes of pigment beside her. Behind her stands a large panel painted with a dragon emerging from black clouds, which ties the scene to the zodiac sign of the sheet.
Kunisada was the most commercially successful print designer of his time. He had taken the name Toyokuni, after his teacher Utagawa Toyokuni I, in 1844, and he signed this sheet with that name. Series like this one, which combined beauties with zodiac, calendar or poetry themes, were among his most popular work in the Kaei era.
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.
歌川国貞 (三代豊国) — UTAGAWA KUNISADA / TOYOKUNI III (1786–1864)
Title: The Dragon (辰, Tatsu)
Series: Among the Twelve Zodiac Signs (十二支の内, Jūnishi no uchi)
Date: 1849 (Kaei 2)
Technique: Woodblock print (mokuhanga), polychrome (nishiki-e)
Format: Ōban tate-e, [24 × 36 cm]
Signature: Toyokuni ga (豊国画), in a toshidama cartouche
________________________________________
Condition: The colours and impression are well preserved. The paper has become soft and has creases across the sheet. There is also toning and soiling. Sold as antique, please check the images carefully!
________________________________________
About the Print
This sheet comes from Kunisada’s series Jūnishi no uchi (Among the Twelve Zodiac Signs), in which each of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac is paired with a beauty. The title cartouche names the sign shown here: Tatsu (辰), the Dragon, the fifth of the twelve signs. In the traditional calendar, the Dragon was also linked to the third month and to the morning hours from about seven to nine o’clock.
The design shows a beauty painting a fan at a low table, with her brushes, a water bowl and small dishes of pigment beside her. Behind her stands a large panel painted with a dragon emerging from black clouds, which ties the scene to the zodiac sign of the sheet.
Kunisada was the most commercially successful print designer of his time. He had taken the name Toyokuni, after his teacher Utagawa Toyokuni I, in 1844, and he signed this sheet with that name. Series like this one, which combined beauties with zodiac, calendar or poetry themes, were among his most popular work in the Kaei era.
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
24 cm
Title of artwork
Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) · Beauty painting a fan · Sign of the Dragon from “Among the Twelve
Condition
Fair condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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