Toyokuni I (1769–1825) – Nakamura Utaemon III as a Courtesan (Keisei) – Dance of Seven Changes – - 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 € 200 - € 300
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An original Japanese Edo-period nishiki-e woodblock print by Utagawa Toyokuni I, depicting Nakamura Utaemon III as a courtesan in “From the Seven Changes”, c. 1811, measuring 24 × 36 cm and in fair condition.
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Description from the seller
Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I (初代歌川豊国)
Signature: Toyokuni ga (豊国画)
Title (inscription): Shichi henge no uchi, keisei, Nakamura Utaemon (七變化之内 けいせい 中村歌右衛門), “From the Seven Changes: Courtesan – Nakamura Utaemon”
Actor: Nakamura Utaemon III (三代目中村歌右衛門)
Performance: Probably Osozakura Teniha no Nanamoji (遅桜手爾葉七字), Nakamura-za, Edo, 3rd month 1811
Date: c. 1811 (Bunka 8)
Seals: Kiwame censor seal (極), with a second seal of the type used alongside it in these years
Technique: Nishiki-e, colour woodblock print on Japanese washi
Format: Ōban tate-e (vertical)
Size: 37 x 25 cm
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CONDITION
Good impression with fair colours. The whole composition is well preserved. The paper has many issues, including repairs, holes and a centre fold. Fair condition overall. Please check the images carefully before bidding!
________________________________________
About the Print
Nakamura Utaemon III (1778–1838) was the great star of the Osaka stage. He spent more than four years performing in Edo before returning to Kamigata in 1812. Edo audiences admired him above all as a dancer. In the 3rd month of 1811 he premiered a seven-role dance programme at the Nakamura-za, Osozakura Teniha no Nanamoji, set to nagauta music. In a hengemono (quick-change dance) like this one, a single actor performs a chain of contrasting characters, changing costume between each dance. The surviving libretto lists the courtesan (keisei) first among the roles. The other roles included the blind masseur (zatō), the poet Narihira, and the lion dance Echigo-jishi. Echigo-jishi became one of the most lasting kabuki dance pieces.
Toyokuni I was the leading Edo actor-print designer of the Bunka era. He recorded this set of transformations as a series titled Shichi henge no uchi (“From the Seven Changes”), with each sheet giving the role and the actor’s name. The courtesan sheet from this series is held by the British Museum and the Waseda University Theatre Museum.
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 I (初代歌川豊国)
Signature: Toyokuni ga (豊国画)
Title (inscription): Shichi henge no uchi, keisei, Nakamura Utaemon (七變化之内 けいせい 中村歌右衛門), “From the Seven Changes: Courtesan – Nakamura Utaemon”
Actor: Nakamura Utaemon III (三代目中村歌右衛門)
Performance: Probably Osozakura Teniha no Nanamoji (遅桜手爾葉七字), Nakamura-za, Edo, 3rd month 1811
Date: c. 1811 (Bunka 8)
Seals: Kiwame censor seal (極), with a second seal of the type used alongside it in these years
Technique: Nishiki-e, colour woodblock print on Japanese washi
Format: Ōban tate-e (vertical)
Size: 37 x 25 cm
________________________________________
CONDITION
Good impression with fair colours. The whole composition is well preserved. The paper has many issues, including repairs, holes and a centre fold. Fair condition overall. Please check the images carefully before bidding!
________________________________________
About the Print
Nakamura Utaemon III (1778–1838) was the great star of the Osaka stage. He spent more than four years performing in Edo before returning to Kamigata in 1812. Edo audiences admired him above all as a dancer. In the 3rd month of 1811 he premiered a seven-role dance programme at the Nakamura-za, Osozakura Teniha no Nanamoji, set to nagauta music. In a hengemono (quick-change dance) like this one, a single actor performs a chain of contrasting characters, changing costume between each dance. The surviving libretto lists the courtesan (keisei) first among the roles. The other roles included the blind masseur (zatō), the poet Narihira, and the lion dance Echigo-jishi. Echigo-jishi became one of the most lasting kabuki dance pieces.
Toyokuni I was the leading Edo actor-print designer of the Bunka era. He recorded this set of transformations as a series titled Shichi henge no uchi (“From the Seven Changes”), with each sheet giving the role and the actor’s name. The courtesan sheet from this series is held by the British Museum and the Waseda University Theatre Museum.
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
Toyokuni I (1769–1825) – Nakamura Utaemon III as a Courtesan (Keisei) – Dance of Seven Changes –
Condition
Fair condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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