| DESCRIPTION: A colorful woodblock triptych print by Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900), depicting three beauties in an interior setting engaged in various activities. In the left panel a woman is seated in front of an elaborate textile imprinted with a flower cart motif. The center panel show another beauty dressed in an ornate kimono with a phoenix motif, holding a bowl with a young boy at her feet. The right panel shows a seated woman in the midst of tea preparation. All three women have their heads elaborately adorned with numerous hair pins. This print has very good impressions, color, and condition, with no repair or backing. Any streaks seen in the photos are light reflections off the glass, not defects in the print, as this print is professionally framed and ready to hang. DIMENSIONS: 37 ¼” wide x 21 ¼” high in frame.
ABOUT THE ARTIST: Kunichika is considered to be one of the last masters of the traditional Ukiyo-e (or “floating world”) style and is esteemed as a designer of actor prints. A pupil of Kunisada and Chikanobu, he was given the artist name Kunichika which is a combination of the names of his two masters. Kunichika was a rather bohemian artist, and his passion was Kabuki - the Japanese theater. His favorite subjects were Kabuki actors, historical scenes and beautiful women. The artist was a regular backstage visitor to Kabuki theaters where he spent hours making sketches of actors. He was little concerned for material wealth or personal appearance, thoroughly enjoyed partying and drinking, and was often in debt. A contemporary of Kunichika, Toyohara, wrote about him: "Print designing, theater and drinking were his life and for him that was enough." In old Japan, it was a common custom for people of higher cultural standard to write a poem before one's death. Kunichika wrote: "Since I am tired of painting portraits of people of this world, I will paint portraits of the King of hell and the devils."
Price: $995 Stock #WD32 |
