Antique Japanese Woodblock Print Triptych by Utagawa Kuniyoshi -Magician Tenjiku Tokube- c.1847
This beautiful Japanese full oban-size woodblock print triptych was created by the renowned late-Edo artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861).
On the central sheet, a man stands with an intense demeanor and incredibly expressive eyes, framed by a piercing stare. This is Tenjiku Tokube, a magician who learned his magic while traveling in India and received some special magic skills from his father. The figures on the sides are his assistants; he is creating a smoke screen to use his magic. His father was a Korean magician who plotted to overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate.
The print depicts a scene from a Kabuki theatre play “Tenjiku Tokubê Ikoku Banashi” (Tale of Tenjiku Tokube from Strange Lands) - a very successful play that was first performed in 1804.
This is a very interesting and unusual subject. Kuniyoshi mastered unconventional, fantastic subject matter. His extraordinary prints were quite popular at the time and remain popular today.
Kuniyoshi was born in Edo (present-day Tokyo) and is known for his dynamic and imaginative prints. Kuniyoshi's works covered a wide range of subjects, including historical scenes, landscapes, kabuki actors, and mythical creatures. He was particularly skilled at depicting warriors and samurai, often creating dramatic, action-packed compositions.
His style featured bold lines, vibrant colors, and intricate details. He uniquely captured the essence of his subjects, infusing them with energy and personality. Kuniyoshi's prints were highly popular during his lifetime and remain admired for their technical skill and storytelling.
Beyond his artistic achievements, Kuniyoshi also played a significant role in developing ukiyo-e as a medium. He was known for experimenting with new techniques and pushing the boundaries of traditional woodblock printing. Overall, Utagawa Kuniyoshi is considered one of the most innovative and influential ukiyo-e artists of his time, leaving a lasting impact on the genre and inspiring future generations of artists.
Many museums in the world have Kuniyoshi works:
British Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY
Museum of Fine Arts in Boston
Tokyo National Museum
Museum of Fine Arts in Houston
Honolulu Museum of Art
and many others.
The print was made using the Japanese woodblock technique during the artist's lifetime.
It shows his signature "Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga" and features Kuniyoshi's famous red "Yoshikiri" seal.
AUTHOR: Utagawa Kuniyoshi
TITLE: Tenjiku Tokubê
PUBLISHER: Ebisuya Rinnosuke
CREATED: 1848
PAPER: washi paper
METHOD OF PRINTING: Woodblock printing
PRINTED: Lifetime printing circa 1847
PRINT SIZE: Three sheets 13.75" X 9.5" each
Condition: Fair, strong impression. Some fading and age-related soiling; the left sheet is patched (see pictures). Small holes at the edges from binding. Margins trimmed. See the pictures for details.
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