https://japanesewoodblockedition.com Fri, 17 Jul 2026 21:07:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/07/original-utagawa-kunisada-japanese-woodblock-print-kabuki-actor-1850s-toyokuni/ https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/07/original-utagawa-kunisada-japanese-woodblock-print-kabuki-actor-1850s-toyokuni/#comments Fri, 17 Jul 2026 05:05:43 +0000 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/07/original-utagawa-kunisada-japanese-woodblock-print-kabuki-actor-1850s-toyokuni/ […]]]>




Subject dramatic Kubuki scene featuring two actors. Publisher is Enomotoya Kichibei. This is a stunning original woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada the most successful print designer of the Edo period. The print features two Kubuki actors in a dramatic standoff. Signed Kochoro Toyokuni ga. Condition- Vibrant colors especially the blues and reds. On original handmade mulberry paper. Has some foxing, age spots, minor paper thinning, surface wear and brown spots present as seen in the photos. Comes framed as seen – Dimensions – 19″ x 15″. Please review photos as they are part of the actual description. To view my full range of products!

]]> https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/07/original-utagawa-kunisada-japanese-woodblock-print-kabuki-actor-1850s-toyokuni/feed/ 0 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/07/utagawa-kunisada-i-honjo-edo-1786-1865-japanese-woodblock-print-kabuki-actors-2/ https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/07/utagawa-kunisada-i-honjo-edo-1786-1865-japanese-woodblock-print-kabuki-actors-2/#comments Sat, 11 Jul 2026 12:48:42 +0000 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/07/utagawa-kunisada-i-honjo-edo-1786-1865-japanese-woodblock-print-kabuki-actors-2/





Here signing “Gototei Kunisada ga”. The center sheet, depicting kabuki actors in leisure time, c. Print states Iwai Hanshiro V with his poetry name: = Iwai Baiga. Publisher is Mikawaya Rihei. Measures 14 by 10 inches.

]]> https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/07/utagawa-kunisada-i-honjo-edo-1786-1865-japanese-woodblock-print-kabuki-actors-2/feed/ 0 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/07/antique-japanese-3-panel-woodblock-print-actors-by-utagawa-kunisada-1852/ https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/07/antique-japanese-3-panel-woodblock-print-actors-by-utagawa-kunisada-1852/#comments Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:24:54 +0000 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/07/antique-japanese-3-panel-woodblock-print-actors-by-utagawa-kunisada-1852/ […]]]>

























Actors Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Togashi Saemon (right), Ichikawa Ebizo V as Musashibo Benkei (center), and Ichikawa Saruzo as Minamoto no Yoshitsune (left). Publisher: Wakasaya Yoichi (Jakurindo). Japanese Edo Period 1852 (Kaei 5), 9th month. Size 14 1/2 in. X 29 1/2 in. Handmade Mulberry Bark Paper with cross hatch dry lines seen from the backside. Ron’s Estate Sales. If you are unsatisfied with your order, please contact me and I will work with you to resolve it to your satisfaction. I would appreciate it if you could take the time to provide Feedback. Thank you for your business, your trust, and your confidence.

]]> https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/07/antique-japanese-3-panel-woodblock-print-actors-by-utagawa-kunisada-1852/feed/ 0 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/06/antique-japanese-woodblock-print-triptych-by-kunisada-ii-prince-genji-c-1847/ https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/06/antique-japanese-woodblock-print-triptych-by-kunisada-ii-prince-genji-c-1847/#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:43:57 +0000 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/06/antique-japanese-woodblock-print-triptych-by-kunisada-ii-prince-genji-c-1847/ […]]]>








Antique Japanese Original Woodblock Print Triptych by Kunisada II -Clearing Weather after Storm with Prince Genji- c. He was a pupil of Kunisada, married his daughter, and inherited his art house. He worked in much the same manner as his teacher, creating portraits of warriors, scenes from Kabuki plays, and portraits of beauties in the bijin-ga genre. This print is a triptych – a three-sheet print called “Clearing Weather in Awazu” (Awazu Seiran) – from the series “Eight Views of Omi” (Omi hakkei no uchi). It depicts four women and a man under the blossoming sakura trees. This is Prince Genji and his female companions. Or, rather, Mitsuji, aka “Rustic Genji”, the main character in the book “Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji”. In 1825, Ryutei Tanehiko began a serial novel called “Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji” (The false Murasaki and the Rustic Genji), which follows the storyline of the original novel “The Tale of Genji” by Lady Murasaki Shikibu (978 -1014). However,’The Rustic Genji is set in the 15th century, and the love affairs of Prince Genji take place in the licensed quarters, rather than at court as in the original novel. The popularity of “The Rustic Genji” inspired many prints and series of prints. Many artists designed comparable prints associating courtesans with different chapters of “The Tale of Genji”. It is interesting to notice that a print with the same title from the same titled series was created by Utagawa (Ando) Hiroshige, but with a completely different image. Kunisada II titled his series and the prints from it after Hiroshige on purpose – to trick the censors. At some point, the prints illustrated the “Rustic Genji” book were banned – don’t ask why, it was a common thing in the Edo period Japan to ban things that became too popular. The print was made using the Japanese woodblock technique in 1847 during Kunisada’s lifetime. All three sheets of the triptych are signed with Kunisada II’s signature Nidaime Kunisada ga (on right sheet), Baichôrô Kunisada ga (on center sheet), Ichijusai Kunisada ga (on left sheet), and stamped with the publisher’s seal of Tsutaya Kichizo (Koeido). AUTHOR: Utagawa Kunisada II (Toyokuni IV) PUBLISHER: Tsutaya Kichizo (Koeido) TITLE: “Clearing Weather in Awazu” (Awazu Seiran) SERIES: “Eight Views of Omi” (Omi hakkei no uchi) PAPER. The condition is good. Good detail and colors, some toning and soiling of the paper. Please look at the pictures – they are part of the condition description. The prints are backed with washi paper. Please see the photos for the detailed conditions. Auctiva offers Free Image Hosting and Editing. Track Page Views With.

]]> https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/06/antique-japanese-woodblock-print-triptych-by-kunisada-ii-prince-genji-c-1847/feed/ 0 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/06/antique-japanese-woodblock-print-utagawa-kunisada-ii-butterflies-18-25-x-13-5/ https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/06/antique-japanese-woodblock-print-utagawa-kunisada-ii-butterflies-18-25-x-13-5/#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:13:42 +0000 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/06/antique-japanese-woodblock-print-utagawa-kunisada-ii-butterflies-18-25-x-13-5/






The product is an antique Japanese woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada II depicting scenes of KOCHO BUTTERFLIES. As a rare and authentic piece of Asian antiques, this print reflects the beauty and craftsmanship of Japanese art history, making it a valuable addition to any collection. MATTED 18.25″ X 13.5″.

]]> https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/06/antique-japanese-woodblock-print-utagawa-kunisada-ii-butterflies-18-25-x-13-5/feed/ 0 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/japanese-ukiyo-e-woodblock-print-chushingura-5-480-utagawa-kunisada-1822/ https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/japanese-ukiyo-e-woodblock-print-chushingura-5-480-utagawa-kunisada-1822/#comments Thu, 21 May 2026 21:08:46 +0000 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/japanese-ukiyo-e-woodblock-print-chushingura-5-480-utagawa-kunisada-1822/ […]]]>
















Title: Japanese Ukiyo-e Nishiki-e Woodblock Print 5-480 Utagawa Kunisada 1822. C m [Length×side] [1 inch = 2.54 cm]. Please judge the state to look at the pictures, A little repair, Stain. A:Excellent B:Fine C:Good D:Poor. A thing with old goods of our shop takes the lead. Since it is not a new article, the stock of goods will be only one point in principle. The goods published in the picture arrive at hand. Depending on goods, there is a damage for old goods. Please refer to the description-of-item columns, such as a hole vacancy, dirt, a tear. And the remains of a stain, and picture by a worm-eaten spot. Yagiya BOBONGUA STORE is on-line antiquarian book store in Tokyo Japan. And Japan focusing on Japanese traditional cultures. Track Page Views With.

]]> https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/japanese-ukiyo-e-woodblock-print-chushingura-5-480-utagawa-kunisada-1822/feed/ 0 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/antique-japanese-woodblock-diptych-print-by-kunisada-modern-genji-10-c-1852/ https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/antique-japanese-woodblock-diptych-print-by-kunisada-modern-genji-10-c-1852/#comments Thu, 14 May 2026 12:43:42 +0000 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/antique-japanese-woodblock-diptych-print-by-kunisada-modern-genji-10-c-1852/ […]]]>





Antique Japanese Woodblock Diptych Print by Kunisada -Modern Genji – a Comparison of Murasaki’s Figures in Edo #10 c. Presented is a beautiful Japanese full oban-size woodblock print – diptych- created by the renowned artist of the late Edo period, Utagawa Kunisada (1786 – 1864), also known as Kunisada I and Toyokuni III. This print is a diptych – a two-sheet print. It is titled as Number 4 in the series of eight diptychs created by Utagawa Kunisada in 1852-53 as illustrations to the most famous and cherished in Japan, the early medieval novel: Genji Monogatari or the Tale of Genji. It was written by Murasaki Shikibu, a lady-in-waiting of the Imperial Court in the 11th century. The series is called “A comparison of Murasaki’s figures in Edo”. Edo murasaki sugata kurabe. It means the artist set the 11th-century characters in a late Edo-era environment contemporary with him. The print shows many small, intricate details and gives us a picture of life in mid-1800s Japan. Prince Genji is in a palace, enjoying a view of the mountains outside a window. He wears a blue coat patterned with cherry blossoms and toys over a gray and brown kimono, smiling as he looks over his shoulder. At right, a young beauty kneels in a doorway, grinning as she watches him. An intricate wooden railing with shoji panels above lines the back of the room, with pines framing a view of the low clouds drifting across the valley. Wonderful architectural detail in the elegant setting. The print was made using the Japanese woodblock technique in the 1850s during Kunisada’s lifetime. Signed with Kunisada’s signature (Kunisada hitsu) and stamped with the publisher’s seal of Daikokuyo Kenzaburo, 1860s AUTHOR: Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III) PUBLISHER: Joshuya Kinzo CREATED: 1852 TITLE: Number 10 – Scene from the Tale of Genji (descriptive title) SERIES: A comparison of Murasaki’s figures in Edo PAPER. Paper METHOD OF PRINTING: Woodblock printing PRINTED: Lifetime printing circa early 1850s PRINT SIZE: 15″ X 19.5″ two sheets combined. The condition is very good. Great detailed impression, bright colors, some very minimal toning, and soiling of the paper. A minor pape loss in the lower left corner of the right sheet. Auctiva offers Free Image Hosting and Editing. Track Page Views With.

]]> https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/antique-japanese-woodblock-diptych-print-by-kunisada-modern-genji-10-c-1852/feed/ 0 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/antique-japanese-woodblock-print-triptych-by-kunisada-revenge-of-soga-c-1844/ https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/antique-japanese-woodblock-print-triptych-by-kunisada-revenge-of-soga-c-1844/#comments Wed, 13 May 2026 20:40:42 +0000 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/antique-japanese-woodblock-print-triptych-by-kunisada-revenge-of-soga-c-1844/ […]]]>






Antique Japanese Original Woodblock Print Triptych by Kunisada -Revenge of Soga Brothers- c. Presented is a beautiful Japanese full oban-size woodblock print – diptych- created by the renowned artist of the late Edo period, Utagawa Kunisada (1786 – 1864), also known as Kunisada I and Toyokuni III. This print is a triptych – a three-sheet print called “Revenge of the Soga Brothers” or “Tora Gozen and the Soga Brothers”. This is a scene from the famous tale of the Soga Brothers – “Soga Monogatari”. On the center sheet, the older brother Soga Juro pays a visit to his beloved courtesan, the beautiful Tora gozen. He sits beside an oil lamp, writing a final poem, knowing that tomorrow he may face his death when he and his brother finally avenge their father’s death. The beauty smiles at him gently as she holds a comb, a young attendant placing a basin of water at his feet, unaware that she may never see him again. His younger brother, Soga Goro, waits patiently outside, holding his bow and hat, his horse nearby. A full moon glows softly in the night sky, framed by the delicate white blossoms of a cherry tree. A lovely and poignant image, with beautiful detail in the handsome interior setting. The print was made using the Japanese woodblock technique in 1847 during Kunisada’s lifetime. All three sheets of the triptych are signed with Kunisada’s signature Kunisada aratame Nidai Toyokuni ga (on right and center sheets), Oju Kunisada aratame Nidai Toyokuni ga (on left sheet) and stamped with the publisher’s seal of Yamamatoya Heikichi (Eikyudo). AUTHOR: Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III) PUBLISHER: Yamamatoya Heikichi (Eikyudo) TITLE: “Tora Gozen and the Soga Brothers” (descriptive) PAPER. Paper METHOD OF PRINTING: Woodblock printing PRINTED: Lifetime printing circa 1844 PRINT SIZE: Three sheets 14″ X 9.3″ (28″ X 14″ altogether). The condition is good. Great detail and colors, some toning and soiling of the paper. Several holes repaired on the back. The prints are backed with washi paper. Please see the photos for the detailed conditions. Get images that make Supersized seem small. Track Page Views With.

]]> https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/antique-japanese-woodblock-print-triptych-by-kunisada-revenge-of-soga-c-1844/feed/ 0 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/antique-1861-japanese-woodblock-print-onboborighost-story-utagawa-kunisada/ https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/antique-1861-japanese-woodblock-print-onboborighost-story-utagawa-kunisada/#comments Fri, 08 May 2026 02:58:28 +0000 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/antique-1861-japanese-woodblock-print-onboborighost-story-utagawa-kunisada/ […]]]>























Antique Japanese Woodblock triptych print. Scene from Onbobori: Yotsuya Ghost Story (Tokaido Yotsuya Kaidan), Act III By Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III), 1861. (The Ghost Story of Yotsuya). Created in the 7th month of 1861 (Ansei 8), the piece portrays the chilling Onbobori scene-a climactic moment of supernatural vengeance that epitomizes Edo-period ghost storytelling. Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III), signed as “Toyokuni ga” within a toshidama cartouche. Publisher: Ebisuya Shoshichi (Kinshodo), active c. Carver: Yokokawa Takejiro, seal “Hori Take”. Medium: Polychrome woodblock print triptych on Japanese washi paper. Date: July 1861 (Ansei 8). Framed Dimensions: 24″ H × 36″ W (triptych) x 2 1/2 inch depth, visible print area approx. 13.5″ H × 27.5″ W. Frame: Wood with brick-toned matting, no glass. Depicted Scene & Characters. Left Panel: Bando Hikosaburo V as Sato Yomoshichi. Center Panel: Kataoka Nizaemon VII as Tamiya Iemon, haunted by the ghost of Oiwa (also portrayed by Bando Hikosaburo V). Right Panel: Bando Hikosaburo V as the ghost of Kobotoke Kohei. Set by a riverside, this moment portrays the tormented Iemon confronted by the spectral figures of Oiwa and Kohei-victims of his betrayal and murder. Their bodies, nailed to a door and discarded in the river, now return in ghostly form, bringing moral reckoning to a chilling crescendo. Kunisada’s masterful composition highlights his expertise in. (actor prints), blending intense emotional expression, detailed costume rendering, and possible high-end printing effects like blind embossing. The triptych format enhances the narrative flow and theatrical impact of the work. Historical and Cultural Significance. Penned by Tsuruya Nanboku IV in 1825, is one of Japan’s most enduring ghost stories, originally staged alongside. This print captures the Edo-era fascination with karmic justice and the supernatural, central themes in kabuki theater and ukiyo-e art. Rarity & Subject Matter: A less common Kunisada triptych featuring the iconic Yotsuya Kaidan and supernatural imagery. Provenance & Craftsmanship: Published by a noted house (Ebisuya Shoshichi) and carved by a respected artisan (Yokokawa Takejiro). Framing & Condition: Good condition overall with typical age-related wear minimal; framed presentation enhances value no glass. However, does look like one area has been repaired; framed gilt gold and brick color frame. Please note the matt border brick and tan does show some wear. Kunisada, also known as Toyokuni III, was born in the Honjo district of Edo as Kunisada Tsunoda. Kunisada’s family owned a small hereditary ferryboat service. Though his father, an amateur poet, died when Kunisada was a child, the family business provided some financial security. During his childhood, he showed considerable promise in painting and drawing. Due to strong familial ties with literary and theatrical circles, he spent time studying actor portraits. At age 14, he was admitted to study under Toyokuni, head of the Utagawa school. Kunisada’s woodblock print work embodies the characteristics of the Utagawa school, focusing on traditional subjects such as kabuki, bijin (beautiful women), shunga (erotic prints), and historical prints. His first known print dates to 1807, his first illustrated book to 1808. Kunisada’s art career took off from the beginning. Many of his works became overnight successes and he was considered the “star attraction” of the Utagawa school. He signed his works “Kunisada, ” sometimes with the studio names of Gototei and Kochoro affixed. In 1844, he adopted the name of his teacher and became Toyokuni III. Kunisada passed away in 1864 in the same neighborhood that he was born. He was 70 years old. Kunisada was a highly popular, and the most active, ukiyo-e print artist of the 19th century. In his time, his reputation surpassed those of his contemporaries Hiroshige and Kuniyoshi.

]]> https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/antique-1861-japanese-woodblock-print-onboborighost-story-utagawa-kunisada/feed/ 0 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/1840-utagawa-kunisada-japanese-woodblock-print-ukiyo-e-kabuki-bonsai-in-snow/ https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/1840-utagawa-kunisada-japanese-woodblock-print-ukiyo-e-kabuki-bonsai-in-snow/#comments Tue, 05 May 2026 02:47:01 +0000 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/1840-utagawa-kunisada-japanese-woodblock-print-ukiyo-e-kabuki-bonsai-in-snow/










1840 Utagawa Kunisada Japanese Woodblock Print Ukiyo-e Kabuki & Bonsai In Snow.

]]> https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2026/05/1840-utagawa-kunisada-japanese-woodblock-print-ukiyo-e-kabuki-bonsai-in-snow/feed/ 0