Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) Art
Japanese, 1786-1864
Born in the Honjo district of Edo as Kunisada Tsunoda, Kunisada’s family owned a small hereditary ferryboat service. Though his father, an amateur poet, died when Kunisada was a child, the family business provided some financial security. During his childhood, he showed considerable promise in painting and drawing. Due to strong familial ties with literary and theatrical circles, he spent time studying actor portraits. At age 14, he was admitted to study under Toyokuni, head of the Utagawa school. Kunisada's work embodies the characteristics of the Utagawa school, focusing on traditional subjects such as kabuki, bijin (beautiful women), shunga (erotic prints), and historical prints. His first known print dates to 1807, his first illustrated book to 1808. Kunisada’s career took off from the beginning. Many of his works became overnight successes and he was considered the “star attraction†of the Utagawa school. He signed his works “Kunisada,†sometimes with the studio names of Gototei and Kochoro affixed.
In 1844, he adopted the name of his teacher and became Toyokuni III. Kunisada passed away in 1864 in the same neighborhood that he was born. He was 70 years old. Kunisto
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Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Dealer: Egenolf Gallery Japanese Art
Japanese Beauties Enjoy a Full Moon
By Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Located in Burbank, CA
"Sun, Moon and Stars". Three beauties enjoy a full moon on the veranda of a teahouse or restuarant. The woman on the left kneels and adjusts her lavishly printed kimono. The beauty in the center has her hair down, and behind her is a screen against which shadows are beautifully silhouetted, which adds an air of mystery. The seated woman on the right is perhaps a geisha, as we see a shamisen lying next to her. Before her is a tray with an assortment of foods. One may surmise that the beauties are being compared to the sun, the moon, and the stars. On the left we glimpse a full moon shining over the peaceful bay, and boats at harbor. Original first edition Japanese color woodblock print triptych...
Category
1840s Edo Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) Art
Materials
Mulberry Paper, Woodcut
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Utagawa Kunisada (toyokuni Iii) art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) in handmade paper, mulberry paper, paper and more. Not every interior allows for large Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) art, so small editions measuring 30 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Utagawa Yoshitora, Utagawa Hiroshige (Ando Hiroshige), and J. J. Grandville. Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $3,600 and tops out at $3,600, while the average work can sell for $3,600.
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Questions About Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) Art
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024To tell if a woodblock print is real, turn it over. Due to the processes used to produce woodblock prints, it is usually possible to see the ink bleeding through on the reverse side of an original print. Reproductions will not have this characteristic since they are made by machine. If you're still uncertain whether your print is an original, experts recommend consulting a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer, as it can be very difficult to tell a convincing reprint apart from a real woodblock without proper training. Find a wide variety of woodblock prints on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Japanese woodblock prints, which date back to the 8th century and are also known as ukiyo-e, are a traditional art form originally produced only in Buddhist monasteries to produce religious texts and images. In the 17th century, private studios began opening as woodblock prints became popular. To make a woodblock print, the artist creates a design on paper, and a wood carver places it on the block and carves the design. Each color requires its own woodblock, which are then covered with watercolors and printed on rice paper. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Japanese woodblock prints from top sellers around the world.