Edo Period uchiwa-e woodblock print circa 1854, Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)

A rare Edo Period uchiwa-e woodblock print circa 1854 that showcases the artistry of Kunisada (1786-1865, 豊国画), one of the last great masters of the art. Here he uses two artistic names, gō Kōchōrō (香蝶楼) which can be translated as 'Fragrant Butterfly Mansion’, as well as Toyokuni. From 1842 onwards, Kuniyoshi actively used the Toyokuni III signature, signaling his intention to succeed Utagawa Tokyokuni as the head of the Utagawa ukiyo-e school. 

This particular print was published in 1854 (Ansei 1st year), 11th month, by Fujiokaya Keijiro (Shorindo) and is a beautiful interpretation of the uchiwa-e genre, which were fan shaped designs that back in 19th century Japan could be cut out and pasted on bamboo frames to use. One side depicts a bijin, beautiful woman, and the other side a samurai.

Many of his bijin-ga, or art depicting beauties of the day, portrayed geisha from the Yoshiwara district. His bijin-ga are exemplary of the genre, and his art has influenced artists for centuries, including the Impressionists such as Van Gogh. His work is held in almost every major museum in the world, including the Met, the Princeton University Art Museum, the British Museum and has been featured in major exhibitions such as the Japan Supernatural exhibition in 2019 here at the Art Gallery of NSW.

The versos on the back are from Gallery Beniya in Tokyo, which specialises in antique ukiyo-e prints, as well as Galerie Du Monde in Hong Kong which specialises in fine art. Both galleries are renowned in Asia for their excellent curation. 

Price marked at $550 AUD.

Framed Measurements: 43 by 60.5cm.

Very good antique condition. Some fading to colours, no tears or major issues to note. Some yellowing to margins, wear to frame.