Items Similar to 'Hare, from Twelve Zodiac Signs' woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9
Utagawa Kuniyoshi'Hare, from Twelve Zodiac Signs' woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi1852
1852
About the Item
This print is from a highly regarded series by the Edo woodblock artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi: in the period, there were at times prohibitions in depicting actors in the woodblock format. To avoid the censors, artists like Kuniyoshi here would show the actors in their roles and juxtaposed with images of the animals of the Buddhist zodiac. Thus, even though the cartouche in the upper right of the image is surrounded by hares, the actual subject of the print are the kabuki actors.
Here, Kuniyoshi depicts the kabuki play Kosan Kingoro, performed at the Nakamura theatre in the ninth month of Kaei 3 (1850). In the image, Bando Shuka I takes on the onnagata role of Kosan in the foreground, clutching a tissue in her hand as she looks back to Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Kingoro. The story tells of a pair of lovers who are try to stay together despite their circumstances. To remain united, Kingoro must pay a ransom on Kosan's employment in a brothel, and so they plot to sell a valuable heirloom to raise the cash necessary to start their lives together.
While being narratively fascinating, the print also shows the mastery of design and technique that Kunihoshi and his blockcutter had. The outlines of the hands and faces of each of the figures is treated with sensitivity and expression, and they are each dressed in finely drawn brocades of patterned silks. The present print is thus an exquisite example of the period in both subject and technique.
"Hare (U): Actors Ichikawa Danjûrô VIII as Kingorô and Bandô Shûka I as Kosan, from the series Selections for the Twelve Zodiac Signs"
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
1852 (Kaei 5), 7th month
Print artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳)
Published by: Kakumotoya Kinjiro (角本屋金次郎)
Block cut by: Horimino (彫みの)
14.13 x 9.75 inches, print (Vertical ôban)
21.5 x 17.5 inches, frame
Entitled: Hare (卯), upper right cartouche
Series: Selections for the Twelve Zodiac Signs (見立十二支之内), upper right cartouche
Signed: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga (一勇斎国芳画), lower right cartouche
Publisher mark: Kakumotoya Kinjiro (角本), left center
Blockcutter's mark: Hori Mino (彫巳の), right center
Censors' seals: Mera, Watanabe, Rat 7 (米良、渡辺), right center
Censor seal: Rat 7 (子七), lower right
Framed to conservation standards using archival materials including 100 percent rag matting and mounting, and glazed with Museum Glass to reduce glare and inhibit UV damage. Housed in a vintage gold finish wood moulding.
Overall good and stable condition; full size print, trimmed to the image; some fading to yellow pigmentation; small holes from historic binding along left edge; some minor creases; contemporary flaw on sleeve of kimono with historic restoration; some wear to vintage moulding; new matting and glazing.
- Creator:Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)
- Creation Year:1852
- Dimensions:Height: 21.5 in (54.61 cm)Width: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:Overall good and stable condition; full size print, trimmed to the image; some fading to yellow pigmentation; small holes from historic binding along left edge; some minor creases; contemporary flaw on sleeve of kimono with historic restorati ...
- Gallery Location:Milwaukee, WI
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
4.9
Platinum Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 1966
1stDibs seller since 2017
390 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Milwaukee, WI
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- 'Self Portrait 1974' original etching signed by Sandra SweeneyBy Sandra SweeneyLocated in Milwaukee, WIFollowing in line with artists before her, like Rembrandt and van Gogh, Sandra Sweeny here presents a self portrait. The image is both direct and subtle not only in its handling of m...Category
1970s Contemporary Portrait Prints
MaterialsPaper, Etching
- "Five Dutchmen with Hats, " Original Lithograph signed by Claude WeisbuchBy Claude WeisbuchLocated in Milwaukee, WI"Five Dutchmen with Hats" is an original lithograph by Claude Weisbuch. The artist signed the piece lower right and wrote the edition number (EA 15/30) in the lower left. This piece ...Category
1970s Modern Figurative Prints
MaterialsLithograph, Paper
- "La Compagne Ed: ETAT, " Original Color Lithograph signed by Claude WeisbuchBy Claude WeisbuchLocated in Milwaukee, WI"La Lecon Du Professor Tulp" is an original lithograph by Claude Weisbuch. The artist signed the piece lower right and wrote the edition (ETAT) in the lower left. This piece depicts ...Category
1970s Modern Figurative Prints
MaterialsLithograph, Paper
- "Satan" from "Je Reve" portfolio, Surrealist Lithograph, SignedBy André MassonLocated in Milwaukee, WI"Satan" is an original color lithograph by Andre Masson. This piece is from the "Je Reve" (I Dream) portfolio of 1975. The edition number, written lower left, is H.C. XXV/XXV. The ar...Category
1970s Surrealist Figurative Prints
MaterialsPaper, Lithograph
- "Sheila, " Etching and Aquatint in Color signed by Man RayBy Man RayLocated in Milwaukee, WIThis original etching and aquatint in colors is by Surrealist and Dada artist Man Ray, an excerpt from the book "Ballade de Dames Hors du Temps". The etching is from a sketch Man...Category
1970s Realist Portrait Prints
MaterialsEtching, Aquatint, Paper
- 'Babylone d'Allemagne' original lithograph poster by Henri de Toulouse-LautrecBy Henri de Toulouse-LautrecLocated in Milwaukee, WI'Babylone d'Allemagne' or 'German Babylon' is an original lithograph poster by the lauded artist of the Art Nouveau style Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. This is the second poster that La...Category
1890s Art Nouveau Portrait Prints
MaterialsPaper, Lithograph
You May Also Like
- Actor Iwai Shigaku as Somenoi in "Denka chaya adauchi"By KuniyoshiLocated in Middletown, NYActor Iwai Shigaku as Somenoi in "Denka chaya adauchi" (Revenge at the Denka Teahouse), by Shigeharu, Ryusai (also called Kuniyoshi) Tokyo: Horie Ichiba Wataki, 1835. Woodcut on la...Category
Early 19th Century Edo Portrait Prints
MaterialsLaid Paper, Handmade Paper, Woodcut
- "Thirsty: the appearance of a town geisha in the Ansei era" - Woodblock on PaperBy Tsukioka YoshitoshiLocated in Soquel, CA"Thirsty: the appearance of a town geisha in the Ansei era" - Woodblock on Paper From the series "Thirty-two Aspects of Customs and Manners" (Fuzoku sanjuniso) Lively woodblock of a...Category
1880s Edo Figurative Prints
MaterialsPaper, Ink, Woodcut
- The Samurai Genta Kajiwara - Japanese Woodblock Diptych in Ink on PaperBy Utagawa YoshitoraLocated in Soquel, CAThe Samurai Genta Kajiwara - Japanese Woodblock Diptych in Ink on Paper Boldly colored woodblock by Utagawa Yoshitora (Japanese, active c.1840-1880)...Category
1860s Edo Figurative Prints
MaterialsPaper, Ink, Woodcut
- A Mother Takes her Son for A Walk during the Russo-Japanese War.By Toyohara ChikanobuLocated in Storrs, CTc. 1883. Kakemono: 28 3/8 x 9 7/16. Repairs and staining; fine color. An extremely scarce historical image. Signed Chikanobu. Housed in a 36 x 15 1/2-inch archival mat, ready for your choice of frame. The Russo-Japanese War...Category
Late 19th Century Edo Figurative Prints
MaterialsColor, Woodcut
- Beauties under a Maple Tree Japanese Woodblock PrintBy Torii KiyonagaLocated in Houston, TXThree Beauties under a maple tree from the series "A Contest of Fashionable Beauties of the Gay Quarters". The woodblock print is printed on rice paper....Category
1780s Edo Figurative Prints
MaterialsWoodcut
- Two Kabuki Actors Japanese Woodblock PrintBy Toyohara KunichikaLocated in Houston, TXTwo kabuki actors posing a samurai's. The print is printed on rice paper and is not framed. It is stamped by the artist with details about the actors in ...Category
1860s Edo Portrait Prints
MaterialsWoodcut
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Vintage And Antique Signs
Antique And Vintage Signs
Zodiac Sign
Antique Sign Restoration
Vintage Print Pair
Antique Block Print
Antique Block Prints
Antique Print Block
Zodiac Art
Antique Wood Moulding
Antique Wood Mouldings
Signed Edo
Antique And Vintage Dress
Vintage Block Print
Vertical Antique Sign
Antique Vintage Wood Signs
Hare Antique
Zodiac Glass