Asianart.com | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries

Found a very old original Japanese Woodblock Print thought I would put on the Forum for Help. Measures 14 x 10 inches and is mint condition and was framed in a 1960's era frame with a very old aged hand written in fountain pen ink cut out note attached to the back that says: "By toyo____mi years old 1861". Can't make out the Artist name completely but this was obviously part of the backing off this woodblock Prints original backing board. Need to know Artist Name and since the note is saying was made in 1861 is this a first printing for this Artist? How well known / Famous is he? And any other Information you might have for me would be great! Always Appreciate any Help and Thanks Again! Sincerely, Gary K.

The print is by Kunisada and dated 1854. The colours on your print have faded a lot.
Regards
Michael

Thanks Michael! Nice to know its actually older then the date of 1861 written on the piece. That date might have been more when it was originally purchased by the first owner. as to it being faded its actually my poor quality Pictures that sometime come out a bit washed out. Sometime it even changes the color! The print is rather vibrant in color and in perfect shape especially considering its age. Best Regards, Gary K

It is nice in full color. Here is one at the Waseda University Theater Museum.

https://archive.waseda.jp/archive/image-viewer.html?arg={%22subDB_id%22:%2252%22,%22detail_page_id%22:%221;166527%22,%22image_no%22:%223%22,%22kind%22:%220%22}&lang=en

Cheers,
Stan

Everything you could want to know about the print is here (if you read Japanese):

https://archive.waseda.jp/archive/detail.html?arg={%22subDB_id%22:%2252%22,%22id%22:%22166527;1%22}&lang=en

From what little I can make out, the play was performed in the third lunar month of 1854 in Edo at the Ichimura Theater. If Google Translate is correct, the title of the play is: Five Great Powers - How long will it be a parody? (or not :-)

Cheers,
Stan

Thanks Stan! Michael emailed me saying the Artist name is "Kunisada" dated 1854. Now I said in my description the Print came with a very dark with age cut-out piece of paper with old pen & ink script writtien on it saying, "BY TOYA___MI" YEARS OLD 1861". Probably on the Prints original backing board. couldn't make out the middle letters to the name the writer had written but obviously wrong on the Artists Name and the 1861 date is wrong to. Very early paper the print is pressed on so do you think its a First Printing? I know that means a lot for evaluating its worth. Your a Collector, do you have this one? Thanks Again for the Info.! Gary K

Perhaps, the note attributes the print to Toyokuni III. The signature in the red cartouche lower right is Toyokuni. Kunisada used this signature after 1844. It's a longish story.

If you want me to assess it from a collector's point of view:

1) I'm sure it is an original print. Generally, Kunisada prints aren't valuable enough to make knockoff prints profitable. There would have been only one printing. These kabuki actor prints are like circus or movie posters. They are used to advertise a performance locally then discarded afterward.

2) It sounds like it is glued to a cardboard backing. This detracts from its value.

3) The print is faded from being framed and displayed. Note that the fugitive colors (like yellow) are gone. Thus, the green areas like the floor and areas of the kimono decoration have faded to blue. The red areas have faded to orange.

Summing up, I wouldn't buy this print for my collection. At this point, it has decorative value and makes a nice piece to hang on the wall (since further display can't hurt it).

Cheers,
Stan

Thanks! Gary K

Asianart.com | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries |