Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) antique Japanese woodblock print titled Chapter 51: Ukifune. This is part of his Fifty-Four Modern Feelings series. This piece was printed in 1884. This piece is matted and framed under glass, in a golden frame. With frame, it measures 18 inches x 24 inches. This was acquired from a Metro Washington DC estate.
Toyohara Kunichika - Prince Genji and courtesans picking irises. Woodblock triptych prints, a scene from the novel Tale of Genji, framed and glazed, 13"h x 8.75" of each visible image. Provenance: Estate of Lila Mae Schneider Azad, Modesto, California.
Group of Three Japanese Ukiyo-e Woodblock Prints in Colors, comprising: Toshusai Sharaku (Japanese, XVIII), "Sawamura Sojuro III As Ogishi Kurando" circa 1795, Toyohara Kunichika (Japanese, 1835-1900), Center Panel of "Morning Pilgrimage to Mount Minobu" (Minobusan asamairi no zu), 1863, and Woodcut of Mother and Child, 19th century, black frames. Largest image: 15.25" H x 9.75" W; frame: 23.5" H x 18.25" W. Provenance: From an East 81st Street Estate. Keywords: Prints, Multiples, Asian Art, Figural, Figurative, Figural, Maternal, Polychrome, Okubi-e, Kabuki, Festival, Antique
Toyohara Kunichika. Bijin-Darstellungen mit Kindern. 2 Ukiyo-e Farbholzschnitte. Format ôban tate-e (35 x 24,5 bzw 36 x 25 cm). Edo (Tokio) um 1862. -- Die hübschen Holzschnitte von Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) zeigen mehrere Frauen, "Bijin" und Kinder in einer häuslichen Szene oder beim Spaziergang. – Etwas fleckig und mit winzigen Löchlein sonst wohlerhalten.
Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900), Announcement of the First Performance at the Sawamura Theatre frame 23.2 x 37.7 in — 59 x 95.7 cm Estimate: $100—200 CAD
Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) antique Japanese woodblock print titled Chapter 51: Ukifune. This is part of his Fifty-Four Modern Feelings series. This piece was printed in 1884. This piece is matted and framed under glass, in a golden frame. With frame, it measures 18 inches x 24 inches. This was acquired from a Metro Washington DC estate.
TOYOHARA KUNICHIKA (1835-1900). Murasaki hotaru asobi (Murasaki and fireflies playing). Vertical oban triptych: 14 5/8 x 9 7/8 in. (37.1 x 25.1 cm.) each approx.(3).
Toyohara Kunichika (Japanese, 1835-1900), Five Daughters of Flowers and Incense, Ukiyo-e Kabuki Triptych, 19th century color woodblocks, each sheet approximately 13.75 x 9.25 inches, unframed and sheets are not attached. Provenance: purchased in Japan before 1910. Made circa 1884, portraits of five kabuki beauties. The actors are Ichikawa Sadanji as Okoma, Onoe Kikugoro as Owan, Takaya Takasuke as Oshichi, Nakamura Fukusuke as Osome, and Nakamura Shikan as Konami. Deep red backgrounds with floral designs.
Title: “actor Nakamura Shinkan Iv As Taira Kiyomori”. Frame Measures Approximately 23.5inx20in; Image Measures Approximately 14inx9.5in. In Used Condition With Slight Wear. Nr30307 Eds
Artist: Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) Title: Portraits of Various Kabuki Actors at a Waterfall Date: 1885 Publisher: Kodama Matashichi Size: (L) 34.5 x 23.4, (C) 34.5 x 23.5, (R) 34.9 x 23.1 cm Condition: Trimmed, thinning, small holes including binding holes (centre panel). Ref: JG0724110
Artist: Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) Title: Kabuki play, Nuretsubame Hiyoku no Inazuma Publisher: Tsunoi Date: 1869 Size: (L) 35.1 x 24.5, (C) 34.8 x 23.4, (R) 35.1 x 25.0 cm Condition report: Worn-out left margins with creases, minor stains and spots, some paper residue on the back. Ref: JG031927-33
Artist: Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) Title: Uraomote Yanagi no Uchiwa-e Publisher: Morimoto Date: 1875 Size: (L) 35.6 x 24.7 (C) 35.7 x 24.3 (R) 35.7 x 24.3 cm Condition report: Soiled, pigments running, slightly trimmed, creases, restored on the left bottom of the centre panel. Reference: JG071908-8
Artist: Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) Title: Kabuki play, Chiyobanzei Soga no Shimadai Publisher: Fukushimaya Tahichi Date: 1865 Size: (L)34.8 x 23.8 (C)34.7 x 23.8 (R)34.5 x 23.8 cm Condition: Trimmed, centrefolds on each panel, pigment spotted, minor stains due to old glue on the back. Reference: JG011926-10
Artist: Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) Title: Kabuki play, Waseokute Morita no Dekiaki Date: 1869 Size: (L) 35.0 x 23.8, (R) 35.1 x 23.5 cm Condition report: Soiling, glue stains, small burnt areas on the top margins, vertical fold on the right edge of the left panel, left panel slightly rippled, some stains and pinholes. Reference: JG031927-13
Set of 3 Artist: Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) / Hosai Utagawa (1848-1920) / Chikanobu Yoshu (1838-1912) Title: Kagami-yama Nishiki no Momiji-ba / Kabuki-za May Kyogen / Kabuki play, Kanjincho Publisher: Kobayashi Tetsujiro / Inoue Kichijiro / Hashimoto Naoyoshi Date: 1879 / 1893 / 1885 Size: (L)24.0 x 35.9 (C)24.0 x 35.9 (R)24.5 x 36.0 cm / (L)33.9 x 25.0 (C)33.8 x 24.8 (R)33.9 x 25.0 cm / (L) 36.2 x 24.3, (C) 36.2 x 24.1, (R) 36.2 x 23.9 cm Condition report: Backed, margins slightly rubbed./ Trimmed, light centre and vertical folds, a pin hole in centre panel, a tear on top corner of right panel./ Some oxidised areas, minor stains and spots, tear at the bottom of left panel, slight misprint in some areas. Reference: JG05163-25 / JG111668-28 / JG091902-13
Artist: Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) Title: Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Araiso Chogoro and Ichikawa Kuzo as Musubikashiwa no Ichirobei Publisher: Akiyama Buemon Date: 1894 Size: (L) 36.9 x 25.0 (C) 36.9 x 25.1 (R) 37.0 x 25.1 cm Condition: Very light creases and minor spots. Reference: JG091908
Artist: Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) Title: Actors in the Roles of Shiranami Publisher: Fukuda Kumajiro Date: 1878 Size: (L) 36.6 x 25 (C) 36.8 x 24.7 (R) 36.6 x 25 cm Condition: Small cracks on oxidised area. Reference: JG0921YA24
Artist: Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) Title: Modern Beauties Publisher: Chojiya Heibei Date: 1865 Size: (L)36 x 25 (C)35.9 x 24.8 (R)35.9 x 24.9 cm Condition: Slight wear and soiling, light tears on the right panel, paper residue on the back due to previous mounting. Ref: JG1124BL18-1
Artist: Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) Title: Yaokan in Akasaka Series title: Thirty-six Modern Restaurants Publisher: Takekawa Seikichi Date: 1877-1878 Size: 36.4 x 24.3 cm Condition: Small hole on the bottom, paper residues on the back. Ref: JG1024NL04
Artist: Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) Title: Banrin in Shinagawa Series title: Thirty-six Modern Restaurants Publisher: Takekawa Seikichi Date: 1877-1878 Size: 36.3 x 24.4 cm Condition: Paper residues on the back. Ref: JG1024NL03
Set of 2 prints: Artist: Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) Title: Mayuzumi of The Hourai-Ro / Hanamurasaki of The Tamaya Series: Beautiful Courtesans Date: 1865 Publisher: Hiranoya Shinzo Size: 35 x 23.7 cm / 35 x 24 cm Condition: Slightly trimmed, some pinholes, paper residues on the back. / Slightly trimmed, fold in left margin. Ref: JG092422-2 / JG092422-4
Set of 2 prints: Artist: Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) Title: Noboseme / Woman with Smoking Pipe Series: Mirror of the Flowering Manners and Customs Publisher: Kobayashi Tetsujiro Date: 1878 Size: 25.2 x 35.8 cm / 36.0 x 25.3 cm Condition report: Crease mark on the left-hand side. Some red pigment transfer. / Some creases, vertical fold on the left, minor stains, some paper residue on the left margin. Ref: JG01207-6 / JG01207-3
Set of 2 prints: Artist: Fusatane Utagawa (act. 1854-1889) / Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) Title: Courtesan of the House of Kadoebi / Hyakushaku-ro, Jinzaemon-cho; Courtesan Fuchi of Moto-Osakacho Series title: Portrait of Top Courtesans / Thirty-six Famous Restaurants of Tokyo Publisher: Kichimoto Senri / Yorozuya Magobei Date: 1881 / 1871 Size: 37.2 x 25.4 cm / 23.9 x 35.2 cm Condition: Small holes, light toning, minor paper residue on the edge. / Thin backing, slightly trimmed, minor spots, light wear on the bottom right corner. Ref: JG0721YA10 / JG0421YA11
Set of 3 prints: Artist: Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) Title: 12. The Wife of Tokugawa Ieyoshi / 14. The Wife of Tokugawa Iemochi / 13. The Wife of Tokugawa Iesada Series: The Back Garden of Tokugawa Shogun Publisher: Takegawa Seikichi Date: 1879 Size: 35.7 x 24.7 cm / 35.8 x 25.2 cm / 35.9 x 24.7 cm Condition report: Trimmed, vertical fold on the left, some stains and oxidised areas, creases. / Trimmed, vertical fold on the left, minor creases, stains, light soiling and oxidised areas. / Trimmed, vertical fold on the left, soiling, creases, some oxidised areas, stains. Ref: JG01207-38 / JG01207-40 / JG01207-39
Signed on the lower right corner. Frame measures approximately 21in x 15.25in. Artwork measures approximately 13.25in x 8.75in. Some scuffs and scratches, torn frame paper backing present. KT20309 BP
A finely detailed Japanese woodblock print depicting a graceful bijin (beautiful woman) dressed in an elegant green and red kimono with intricate patterns. 36.5 by 25 cm
Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) antique Japanese woodblock print titled Chapter 51: Ukifune. This is part of his Fifty-Four Modern Feelings series. This piece was printed in 1884. This piece is matted and framed under glass, in a golden frame. With frame, it measures 18 inches x 24 inches. This was acquired from a Metro Washington DC estate.
Toyohara Kunichika (Japanese 1835-1900) Woodblock Print on paper, Features woman ascending stairs, with a cat tugging at her hem. A man stoops nearby, cleaning the floor. Talented as a child, at about thirteen he became a student of Tokyo's then-leading print maker, Utagawa Kunisada. His deep appreciation and knowledge of kabuki drama led to his production primarily of ukiyo-e actor-prints, which are woodblock prints of kabuki actors and scenes from popular plays of the time. Framed and matted in a black wood frame Weight: Approx. 4.5 lbs Measurements: Approx. Image 9" x 13.25, framed 17" x 22" Condition: No apparent issues, frame has some scuffs and display wear. (WSD). Domestic Shipping:$85
(1843-1894) und Kunichika, Toyohara (1835-1900), Ishibe: Iwau Kumesaburo III als Ohan, Farbholzschnitt. Sign. und Toshidama-Ring. Japan, 1867 (Keio 3). Oban-Format (36,1 x 24,2 cm). - Punktuell auf Träger montiert. - Aus der Serie "Tokaido hitome senryo" (Der Tokaido: Ein Blick ist 1000 Ryo wert), Station 51. Herausgeber: Enshuya Hikobei. Zensur-Stempel: Aratame mit Datum.
(Edo 1835-1900), Zwei Schauspieler in weiblichen Rollen. 2 Farbholzschnitte. Sign. "Kunichika ga" und mit Toshidama-Ring. Japan, 1864 (Bunkyu 4/Genji 1). Oban-Fromat (37 x 24,5 cm). - 1 Bl. unter Passepartout. - Herausgeber: Schimizuya Naojiro und Izutsuya Shokichi. Zensur-Siegel: Aratame mit Datum. - Ein Bl. linkes Blatt eines Triptychons zu dem Kabuki-Stück "Honchoshi Shirabe no Iroito". Es zeigt den Schauspieler Iwai Shijaku II als die Geisha Koito mit langer Schriftrolle vor einem Laden.
TOYOHARA KUNICHIKA (1835-1900). Genji Goju-yo Jo - No. 33 Fuji no Uraba. Size 9 1/3 by 13 3/4". Very good condition. Series: 54 Modern Feelings & Chapter of Genji. Title : No. 33 (Genji Chapter 33-Fuji-no-uraba). Circa: 1884.
(1835-1900). Ein Schauspieler der Bando Familie in der Rolle des Fuwa Banzaemon. Aus der Folge: Zen Aku Sanju-ni Kagami - Der Speigel von 32 guten u. bösen Helden. Farbholzschnitt 1867. Format: tate-ôban. Sign.: Kunichika hitsu. Verlag: Wakusaya Jingorô.
Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) antique Japanese woodblock print titled Chapter 51: Ukifune. This is part of his Fifty-Four Modern Feelings series. This piece was printed in 1884. This piece is matted and framed under glass, in a golden frame. With frame, it measures 18 inches x 24 inches. This was acquired from a Metro Washington DC estate.
Toyohara Kunichika (Japanese, 1835-1900). "Soga Brothers at the Hunting Camp" three hand-colored woodblocks, 1893. Signed in woodcut. An enticing triptych of woodblock prints by Toyohara Kunichika depicting a scene from the famous tale of the Soga Brothers. The story follows the brothers on their lifelong quest to avenge the death of their father at the hands of the nobleman Suketsune. Here, the pair arrives at Lord Yoritomo's hunting camp at the base of Mt. Fuji. The brothers stand on the porch of the lodge as they meet a beauty who will secretly let them in, shielding the light from her lamp with her kimono sleeve. At left, younger brother Sogo Goro holds a flaming torch aloft as a driving rain falls over the night sky, Mt. Fuji in gray silhouette in the distance. Soga Juro stands in the center, frowning intently. Size of woodcut: 27.25" W x 13.5" H (69.2 cm x 34.3 cm); of frame: 33.75" W x 19.75" H (85.7 cm x 50.2 cm) Woodblock prints were created in Japan as early as the 8th century to illustrate texts. By the 18th century, Japanese woodblock techniques had evolved and the first polychrome prints or nishiki-e were commissioned for wealthy patrons of the Edo period. This period is known for marvelous woodblock prints of female beauties, kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers, and courtesans of the infamous pleasure districts. In time, the repertoire expanded to include romantic landscapes, flora and fauna, and dramatic historical events. Ukiyo-e prints were known for birds-eye views, a penchant for strong line, and an appreciation for brilliant, saturated hues - all hallmarks of this fine Japanese artform. Works such as the examples featured in this lot played a major role in the West's perception of Japanese visual culture during the late 19th century when Japonisme exerted a powerful influence on French Impressionists such as Degas, Manet, and Monet, Post-Impressionists including Van Gogh, and pioneering Art Nouveau artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec. About the artist: "Kunichika Toyohara was one the most important woodblock print artists of the Meiji period (1868-1912). Best known for his dramatic actor portraits (yakusha-e.), Kunichika ushered ukiyo-e into a new era of color printmaking. At his hand, the floating world came to life in rich purples and deep reds. Even as new artistic mediums became popular in Japan, Kunichika championed the genres and aesthetics of ukiyo-e in vivid color. Born as Yasohachi Oshima in 1835, Kunichika's father was a public bathhouse proprietor in Kyobashi district, home to many artists and merchants. He assumed his mother's family name, Arakawa, during his youth. Kunichika began his artistic training around the age of 12 under Chikanobu Ichiosai Toyohara. Roughly two years later, Kunichika apprenticed under Kunisada Utagawa (1786-1865) and began to produce actor prints in the 1850s. Though he worked in the style of the Utagawa school, he never used the Utagawa name. Kunichika took his artist name from the names of his two teachers. After more than a decade in Kunisada's studio, Kunichika's popularity rose as he stepped out as an independent artist in the 1860s and 1870s. Though Kunichika produced some bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women), historical prints, and journalistic illustrations, his passion lay with the kabuki theater. From sprawling triptychs to okubi-e (large-head portraits) rich in emotion, Kunichika established himself as the leading artist of yakusha-e (actor prints). He immersed himself in the kabuki world, regularly spending time backstage, sketching the actors, socializing with the theatrical figures, and watching the plays. This wealth of personal experience in the theater lent an intimacy to his bold designs. Kunichika's notable students include Chikanobu Yoshu (1838-1912) and Chikashige Morikawa (fl. 1869-1882)" (source: Ronin Gallery website) Woodblock prints were created in Japan as early as the 8th century to illustrate texts. By the 18th century, Japanese woodblock techniques had evolved and the first polychrome prints or nishiki-e were commissioned for wealthy patrons of the Edo period. This period is known for marvelous woodblock prints of female beauties, kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers, and courtesans of the infamous pleasure districts. In time, the repertoire expanded to include romantic landscapes, flora and fauna, and dramatic historical events. Ukiyo-e prints were known for birds-eye views, a penchant for strong line, and an appreciation for brilliant, saturated hues - all hallmarks of this fine Japanese artform. Works such as the examples featured in this lot played a major role in the West's perception of Japanese visual culture during the late 19th century when Japonisme exerted a powerful influence on French Impressionists such as Degas, Manet, and Monet, Post-Impressionists including Van Gogh, and pioneering Art Nouveau artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec. About the artist: "Kunichika Toyohara was one the most important woodblock print artists of the Meiji period (1868-1912). Best known for his dramatic actor portraits (yakusha-e.), Kunichika ushered ukiyo-e into a new era of color printmaking. At his hand, the floating world came to life in rich purples and deep reds. Even as new artistic mediums became popular in Japan, Kunichika championed the genres and aesthetics of ukiyo-e in vivid color. Born as Yasohachi Oshima in 1835, Kunichika's father was a public bathhouse proprietor in Kyobashi district, home to many artists and merchants. He assumed his mother's family name, Arakawa, during his youth. Kunichika began his artistic training around the age of 12 under Chikanobu Ichiosai Toyohara. Roughly two years later, Kunichika apprenticed under Kunisada Utagawa (1786-1865) and began to produce actor prints in the 1850s. Though he worked in the style of the Utagawa school, he never used the Utagawa name. Kunichika took his artist name from the names of his two teachers. After more than a decade in Kunisada's studio, Kunichika's popularity rose as he stepped out as an independent artist in the 1860s and 1870s. Though Kunichika produced some bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women), historical prints, and journalistic illustrations, his passion lay with the kabuki theater. From sprawling triptychs to okubi-e (large-head portraits) rich in emotion, Kunichika established himself as the leading artist of yakusha-e (actor prints). He immersed himself in the kabuki world, regularly spending time backstage, sketching the actors, socializing with the theatrical figures, and watching the plays. This wealth of personal experience in the theater lent an intimacy to his bold designs. Kunichika's notable students include Chikanobu Yoshu (1838-1912) and Chikashige Morikawa (fl. 1869-1882)" (source: Ronin Gallery website) Provenance: private Park City, Utah, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.) PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions. #188621
Toyohara Kunichika (Japanese 1835-1900) Woodblock Print on paper, Features woman ascending stairs, with a cat tugging at her hem. A man stoops nearby, cleaning the floor. Talented as a child, at about thirteen he became a student of Tokyo's then-leading print maker, Utagawa Kunisada. His deep appreciation and knowledge of kabuki drama led to his production primarily of ukiyo-e actor-prints, which are woodblock prints of kabuki actors and scenes from popular plays of the time. Framed and matted in a black wood frame Weight: Approx. 4.5 lbs Measurements: Approx. Image 9" x 13.25, framed 17" x 22" Condition: No apparent issues, frame has some scuffs and display wear. (WSD). Domestic Shipping: $60
Set of 2 prints: Artist: Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) / Kunisada III Utagawa (1848-1920) Title: Kabuki play, Jitsugetsu Seikyo Waseidan / Kabuki play, Yaguradaiko Narita Revenge Publisher: Hayashi Kichizo / Takekawa Date: 1878 / late 19th century Size: (L)35.8 x 23.8 (C) 35.8 x 24.1 (R)35.8 x 23.7 cm / (L)36 x 23.5 (C)36.9 x 25 (R)37 x 25.3 cm Condition: Backed, wear and tear, paper residue on the back, vertical crease on the centre panel and left panel, slightly soiled. / Paper residue on the back, horizontal creases, pinholes, colour partly running. Ref: C-091903-2 / C-012054
Set of 2 prints: Artist: Chikashige Morikawa (1869-1880s) / Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) Title: The Ranking of Famous Actors' Salaries / Powerful Men with Sake Casks Series title: None / Ranking of Actors' Salaries Publisher: Tsujiokaya Bunsuke Date: 1876 / 1875 Size: (L) 37.1 x 24.9, (C) 37.2 x 24.9, (R) 37.1 x 25.0 cm / (L) 36.9 x 25.0, (C) 37.0 x 24.9, (R) 36.9 x 25.0 cm Condition: Some creases and stains around the margins, foxing (centre panel). / Wormholes, light wear, creases and horizontal folds, small paper on the back. Ref: JG0621YA23 / JG0621YA26
Set of 2 prints: Artist: Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) Title: Actor Onoe Kikugoro as Hotaro, Kurama Waterfall / Actor Bando Hikosaburo as Otsuji, Shido-ji Temple Waterfall Publisher: Tsujiokaya Kamekichi Date: 1875 Size: 36.8 x 24.8 cm / 37.0 x 24.5 cm Condition: Minor pinholes and creases. / Light soiling, some margin wear and creases, pinhole. Ref: JG072307-1 / JG072307-2
Set of 4 prints: Artist: Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) Title: Atokuchigakakariso, Leaving a bad taste Shiraseteyaritasou, Looking like she wants to tell someone Sleepy See you in my dream Series: Thirty-two Fashionable Physiognomies Publisher: Yorozuya Magobei Date: 1869 Size: 36.1 x 24.0 cm / 35.9 x 24.1 cm / 35.9 x 24.2 cm / 36.1 x 24.1 cm Condition: Light soiling, minor paper residue on the back. / Soiling, light creases, some worn-out areas. / Some stains and creases, minor paper residue on the back. / Glue stains, minor soiling, some paper residue on the back. Ref: CMWA165 / CMWA172 / CMWA168 / CMWA171
Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) antique Japanese woodblock print titled Chapter 51: Ukifune. This is part of his Fifty-Four Modern Feelings series. This piece was printed in 1884. This piece is matted and framed under glass, in a golden frame. With frame, it measures 18 inches x 24 inches. This was acquired from a Metro Washington DC estate.
Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) Japanese, Antique Framed Woodblock. Depicts the kabuki actor Bandô Mitsugorô VI (1841-1873) in a role from 1872. Print has kanji in the upper left and right corners. Label on reverse with information about the piece and its origins. Overall Size: 21 3/4 x 16 in. Sight Size: 14 x 9 1/4 in. #4746 . Toyohara Kunichika was born Åshima Yasohachi in June 1835 in the Kyobashi district, a merchant and artisan area of Edo, Japan. He abandoned an apprenticeship at a thread and yarn store at age ten to work at a dry goods shop, painting and sketching items. His father lost the bathhouse he ran shortly thereafter, and the family changed their surname to distance themselves from this failure, making him Arakawa Yasohachi. At twelve he began to design kabuki actor portraits for local artist Toyohara Chikanobu, who recommended him at thirteen to become a student of Tokyo’s leading print maker, Utagawa Kunisada. His deep appreciation and knowledge of kabuki drama led to his production primarily of yakusha-e, which are woodblock prints of actors and scenes from popular plays of the time. In 1854 he took the name “Kunichika,” a composite of the names of his two teachers, Kunisada and Chikanobu. In 1861 Kunichika married his first wife, Ohana, and in that same year had a daughter, Hana. He fathered two out-of-wedlock children with whom he had no contact, but remained strongly attached to Hana after divorcing Ohana. By the 1870s he was known as a womanizer and alcoholic, sometimes performing in amateur burlesque shows. He enjoyed partying with the geishas and prostitutes of the Yoshiwara district, and was a backstage regular at numerous theaters. He was constantly in debt and often borrowed money from the kabuki actors he depicted so admiringly. Only one photograph of him exists, taken in his brother’s photo shop the year before he died in Honjo in July 1900. His work is credited with bridging the tumultuous gap between the Edo and Meiji periods.
