Kabuki Scenes – Utagawa Kunisada (c.1853-1859)

An antique Japanese print in hand-colour illustrating kabuki scenes played by two kabuki actors, one of them is Onoe Kikugoro IV (left). Illustrated by a celebrated Japanese ukiyo-e artist at the end of Edo period, Utagawa Kunisada.

Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865) also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III, was a Japanese artist and ukiyo-e printmaker. He is considered the most popular, prolific and commercially successful designer of ukiyo-e woodblock prints in 19th-century Japan. Following the traditional pattern of the Utagawa school, Kunisada’s artworks mostly were kabuki and actor prints, and about 60% of his designs fall in this category.  At his own time, his reputation far exceeded of his contemporaries, Hokusai, Hiroshige and Kuniyoshi.

Very good condition, age-toning, small torn on the center

Measures: 610 mm x 470 mm (incl.passepartout)