Kunisada II Utagawa, Seki Sanjuro, Lacquer Wine Cups with Portraits of Actors
£180
SKU
CMSA187
Artist: Kunisada II Utagawa (1823–1880)
Title: Seki Sanjuro
Series title: Lacquer Wine Cups with Portraits of Actors
Publisher: Tsutaya Kichizo
Date: 1863
Size: 35.3 x 25.5 cm
Original Japanese woodblock print.
This series by Kunisada II shows portraits of different kabuki actors as seen in the reflection of lacquer wine cups, a clever composition technique to illustrate the most famous names in the theatre.
Toyokuni IV Utagawa (Kunisada II)
Kunisada II was the pupil of prolific ukiyo-e artist Toyokuni III (Kunisada I) and went on to become head of the Utagawa school. He produced over 40 series, mainly depicting actors. He also published beauty, shunga and literature inspired prints, working in the style of his master but never quite achieving the same level of success. While illustrating over 200 books, his most celebrated actor series was "The Tale of the Eight Dog Heroes". However, his popularity began to wain in the Meiji period and ceased making prints in 1874.| Print Format | Oban (Vertical) |
|---|---|
| Artist | Toyokuni IV Utagawa (Kunisada II) |
| Subject | Kabuki Theatre |
| Dimensions | 35.3 x 25.5 cm |
| Condition Report | Holes and light tear restored on the left, slightly trimmed, light wear and soiling, faded. |
| Folders | In Store, BF |
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