Kunisada (Toyokuni III) actor triptych | Daji and King Zhou of Yin roundels | c. 1847–1852 - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
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An original Japanese nishiki-e woodblock print triptych by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III), depicting Empress Daji and King Zhou of Yin, dated circa 1847–1852 and measuring 36 × 73 cm.
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Description from the seller
Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III, 1786–1865)
Title: Empress Daji (Kōhi Dakki, 皇妃妲己) and King Zhou of Yin (In no Chū-ō, 殷ノ紂王)
Technique: Original Japanese woodblock print (nishiki-e)
Format: Ōban triptych, three sheets
Date: c. 1847–1852 (Kōka–Kaei era, late Edo period)
Signature: Kōchōrō Toyokuni ga (香蝶楼豊国画) on the outer sheets; Ichiyōsai Toyokuni ga (一陽斎豊国画) on the centre sheet; each with toshidama seal
Censor seals: Two nanushi seals on each sheet
Publisher: Trademark on each sheet
_______________________________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Excellent impression with woodgrain visible on the sheets. The colours are vivid and saturated. The paper is clean, firm and supple, with minor toning and soiling. Excellent overall. Please check the images carefully!
____________________________________________________________
About the Print
Kunisada was the most popular and prolific ukiyo-e designer of the 19th century, and actor prints were the core of his work. From 1844 he signed as Toyokuni, and the two art names on this triptych, Kōchōrō and Ichiyōsai, are typical of his output in the late 1840s and early 1850s.
The roundels on the sheets name roles from the ancient Chinese story of the fall of the Shang (Yin) dynasty. King Zhou was the last Shang ruler, and Daji was his consort. Chinese storytelling linked her to fox-spirit legend. The Ming-dynasty novel Fengshen yanyi (Investiture of the Gods) presents her as a nine-tailed fox spirit that took over the body of Su Daji, daughter of the Marquis of Jizhou, corrupted King Zhou and brought about the fall of Yin. In Japan the same fox was believed to have later appeared as Tamamo-no-mae, which made Daji and King Zhou familiar figures on the Edo kabuki stage
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 Kunisada (Toyokuni III, 1786–1865)
Title: Empress Daji (Kōhi Dakki, 皇妃妲己) and King Zhou of Yin (In no Chū-ō, 殷ノ紂王)
Technique: Original Japanese woodblock print (nishiki-e)
Format: Ōban triptych, three sheets
Date: c. 1847–1852 (Kōka–Kaei era, late Edo period)
Signature: Kōchōrō Toyokuni ga (香蝶楼豊国画) on the outer sheets; Ichiyōsai Toyokuni ga (一陽斎豊国画) on the centre sheet; each with toshidama seal
Censor seals: Two nanushi seals on each sheet
Publisher: Trademark on each sheet
_______________________________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Excellent impression with woodgrain visible on the sheets. The colours are vivid and saturated. The paper is clean, firm and supple, with minor toning and soiling. Excellent overall. Please check the images carefully!
____________________________________________________________
About the Print
Kunisada was the most popular and prolific ukiyo-e designer of the 19th century, and actor prints were the core of his work. From 1844 he signed as Toyokuni, and the two art names on this triptych, Kōchōrō and Ichiyōsai, are typical of his output in the late 1840s and early 1850s.
The roundels on the sheets name roles from the ancient Chinese story of the fall of the Shang (Yin) dynasty. King Zhou was the last Shang ruler, and Daji was his consort. Chinese storytelling linked her to fox-spirit legend. The Ming-dynasty novel Fengshen yanyi (Investiture of the Gods) presents her as a nine-tailed fox spirit that took over the body of Su Daji, daughter of the Marquis of Jizhou, corrupted King Zhou and brought about the fall of Yin. In Japan the same fox was believed to have later appeared as Tamamo-no-mae, which made Daji and King Zhou familiar figures on the Edo kabuki stage
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
Kunisada (Toyokuni III) actor triptych | Daji and King Zhou of Yin roundels | c. 1847–1852
Condition
Excellent condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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