■【 This product is a reprint of Ukiyo-e 】
What is the difference between reprinted ukiyo-e and ukiyo-e produced in Japan's Edo period ?
It makes no difference. The only difference is the era in which they were made.
Reprinted ukiyo-e prints are reproductions produced by modern artisans in the same manner as in the Edo period of Japan (1603-1868). The woodblocks are re-carved and hand-printed one by one on traditional Japanese paper. The greatest attraction of ukiyo-e is the unique soft texture of Japanese paper and woodblock prints, and the vivid colors that people of the time must have enjoyed.
■Dimensions : 14.57 × 10.24inches
■Paper : washi(Japanese tradition paper : Echizen-gami Hosho-sho)
■Actors butai no Sugatae is a large series of more than 50 drawings by Toyokuni I, a popular painter who dominated the ukiyo-e print world at the end of the Edo period. Among them, this painting is said to be an outstanding work, and it perfectly captures the moment when Ichikawa Koraizo III, who was a famous and popular actor, held a mirror in his left hand and cut off his appearance. The dark blurring of the background expresses how the characters stand out from the dark stage, enhancing the appearance of the actors.
■【About Utagawa Toyokuni】
Utagawa Toyokuni, also known as Toyokuni II, was a prominent ukiyo-e artist during the Edo period. He belonged to the Utagawa school of art, and his active period spanned from the late 18th century to the early 19th century.
Toyokuni was a disciple of the founder of the Utagawa school, Utagawa Toyokuni I, and he was also known as the son-in-law of the first Toyokuni. Therefore, his name is sometimes written as "Toyokuni II."
Toyokuni primarily produced nishiki-e (color prints), giga (comic prints), and nikuhitsu-ga (hand-painted pictures). His works are renowned for their exquisite colors and delicate brushwork, with a particular emphasis on depicting beautiful women and actors. Additionally, his giga prints often contained satirical elements, humorously portraying social customs and current events.
Toyokuni's works were published by numerous ukiyo-e artists and publishers, gaining popularity among the public. His artworks serve as valuable resources for understanding the daily life, customs, and entertainment of the time.
Utagawa Toyokuni is highly regarded as a talented artist within the Utagawa school. His works continue to be highly esteemed today due to their technical mastery and aesthetic beauty.