Antique Japanese Woodblock Print by Kunisada II/Hiroshige II -Tale of Genji - Chapter 14: Miotsukushi- c.1864s
Presented is a beautiful Japanese full oban-size woodblock print created by the renowned artist of the late Edo period, Utagawa Kunisada II (1823 - 1880), also known as Kunimasa III and Toyokuni IV. He was one of the most prominent artists and printmakers during the late Edo era and early Meiji.
A pupil of Utagawa Kunisada I, he signed much of his early work "Kunimasa III". His earliest known prints date to 1844. Kunisada I adopted him in 1846 after he married the master's daughter, Osuzu. He took the name Kunisada II c. 1850–51, about the time he inherited the house of Kunisada I. He changed his name once more following his master's death, to Toyokuni III. However, since there were three artists called Toyokuni before him, Kunisada II is now often known as Toyokuni IV.
A part of the print (the picture and calligraphy in the fan in the upper part) was made by Hiroshige II, a pupil of Utagawa Hiroshige and another member of the Utagawa School.
The print presented depicts a scene from Kunisada II's series based on the most cherished and famous Japanese literary work, "Genji Monogatari" or "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu, written in the 11th century. The print is titled "Ch. 14, Miotsukushi", from the series "The Remembrance of Fifty-four Chapters from the Tale of Genji".
This beautiful image depicts Prince Genji with two women - Lady Rokujō and her daughter. Lady Rokujō has been ill, and she begs Genji to look after her beautiful daughter. Rokujō then dies abruptly, whereupon Genji persuades Regent Fujitsubo to list Rokujō’s daughter as a consort for the new emperor (Genji’s son). Both ladies and Prince Genji feature elegant kimono fabrics and accessories, carefully detailed. Each print has a decorative fan inset with verse at the top and figures below, and a decorative green border featuring Genji symbols. The fan piece was made by Hiroshige II. The paper is embossed with shells in waves - a rare detail made for this particular series.
Copies of this particular print are held in the Honolulu Art Museum and the Fuji Art Museum in Tokyo.
The print was made using the Japanese woodblock technique during the lifetime of Kunisada II. Signed with artist's signature "Kochoro Kunisada ga" and sealed with censor and publisher's seals. Publisher - Tsutaya Kichiso.
AUTHOR: Utagawa Kunisada II (Toyokuni IV), Hiroshige II
TITLE: Chapter 14: Miotsukushi
SERIES: "The Remembrance of Fifty-four Chapters from the Tale of Genji" Chapter 14: "Miotsukushi").
CREATED: c.1864
PAPER: washi paper
METHOD OF PRINTING: Woodblock printing
PRINTED: Lifetime printing circa 1864-65
OVERALL SIZE: Full oban size 14" X 9"
The condition is very good. Good detail and colors, with some minor paper toning. Very minor paper loss at the edges. No backing - the paper is fragile, be very careful!
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