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Subject:Japanese Translation Help
Posted By: BL Wed, Dec 22, 2021 IP: 74.71.16.159

Hello,
The images below are on two Japanese panels that I have.I would appreciate it if someone could provide a translation. Thank you.
BL





Subject:Re: Japanese Translation Help
Posted By: Stan Wed, Dec 22, 2021

These appear to be signatures on Japanese woodblock prints. The first says Kunisada hitsu (right column) Toyokuni ga (left column). The seals date it to the late 1840s. The second says Ichiyosai Toyokuni ga and dates to the late 1840s.

These are both signatures used by Utagawa Kunisada (aka Toyokuni III) in the late 1840s when he started signing as Toyokuni.

Cheers,
Stan

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Subject:Re: Japanese Translation Help
Posted By: Horst Graebner Thu, Dec 23, 2021

They are the signature of Kunisada I, along with censorship seals and the publisher's logo.
The round seals above the signatures are censor seals: on the right Mera (米良) for Mera Taichirō and on the left Murata (村田) for Murata Heiemon.
The signature on the picture above is "Kunisada toneri Toyokuni ga" (国貞舎豊国画, "drawn by Toyokuni’s successor Kunisada") and the other is "Ichiyōsai Toyokuni ga" (一陽斎豊国画, "drawn by Ichiyōsai Toyokuni").
The publisher's logo below the signature is a doted ivy leaf with under a triple mountain / roof and stands for Tsutaya Kichizō.
The two sheets are the left and center sheets of a Genji triptych entitled "Hina myōto momo no hosomayu" (Male and Female Dolls: The Slender Eyebrows of the Peach).
Because of the special signature in connection with the censorship seals, the prints can be dated to 1849/50.
Horst



Subject:Re: Japanese Translation Help
Posted By: BL Fri, Dec 24, 2021

Dear Stan, Horst and I. Nagy,
Thank you so much for your help. Horst you are absolutely right about the missing panel on the right. The dealer I bought them from had it and as it had become detached from the left and center panels he sold it separately. I now realize that I made a major mistake in not buying it. Below are the two panels which are attached to boards and have other figures and elements attached to them. I have not seen any thing like this before. Is this unusual? I'd be interested in your thoughts. Thanks again.
BL





Subject:Re: Japanese Translation Help
Posted By: Horst Graebner Sat, Dec 25, 2021

It looks like a silk embroidery that has been added around the prints.
I haven't seen anything like it. I have no idea if this was made in Japan or somewhere in the west, and I have no idea when the embroidery was made.
Extremely unusual and a curiosity; but it does not increase the value.
Horst

Subject:Re: Japanese Translation Help
Posted By: BL Sun, Dec 26, 2021

Horst,
Thanks again for the information. For what it's worth the additions around the perimeter are thickly applied onto whatever material was used. I've had the panels for a number of years and I have no interest in selling them. To play devil's advocate, if they are unique why wouldn't that fact increase their value? Thanks again.
BL

Subject:Re: Japanese Translation Help
Posted By: Horst Graebner Mon, Dec 27, 2021

A Japanese woodblock print is a Japanese woodblock print.
Take any art object and add something to your own taste. You may like it better personally, but most viewers are sure to disagree. Exception: If you are a well-known artist yourself, it could be that your “new” work will be valued more highly.
In the specific case, however, it is not evident that a particular artist was at work.
Horst


Subject:Re: Japanese Translation Help
Posted By: BL Tue, Dec 28, 2021

Horst,
Thanks once again for taking the time to answer my questions.
BL

Subject:Re: Japanese Translation Help
Posted By: I.Nagy Thu, Dec 23, 2021

Pic.1,
國貞舎 - Kunisadasha (Pseudonym)
豊國画 - Toyokuni-ga
Painted by Kunisadasha Toyokuni
Censors' seals,
米良 村田 - Mera and Murata
Seals used in 1847
Publisher's mark,
蔦屋重三郎 - Tsutaya Jūzaburō

Pic.2,
一陽斎 - Ichiyōsai (Pseudonym)
豊國画 - Toyokuni-ga
Painted by Ichiyōsai Toyokuni

Censors' seals and publisher's seal same as above.

Toyokuni III a.k.a. Kunisada 1786-1864

With regards,
I.Nagy


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