Framed Antique Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print by Utagawa Toyokuni III
Item Details
An 1861 Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock print by print master Utagawa Kunisada (歌川 国貞, 1786-1865), also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III (三代歌川豊国). The print is titled The Imitation Kuronushi: Actor Nakamura Shikan IV as Ishikawa Goemon (偽ス黒主, Gisu Kuronushi) from the series Selected Underworld Characters for the Six Immortal Poets (見立白波六歌撰 Mitate shiranami rokkasen). The portrait portrays the famous 19th-century kabuki actor Nakamura Shikan IV (四代目中村芝翫) portraying Ishikawa Goemon (石川五右衛門, 1558-1594) Robin Hood-type figure who is regarded as an outlaw hero who stole to give to the poor. The print and series title are printed within a red cartouche in the upper right corner surrounded by plum blossoms. A poem about the hero is printed to the upper left. The artist’s ‘Konoim ni makase Toyokuni ga’ (任好豊国画) signature is printed within a red toshidama cartouche alongside the Hiranoya Shinzō publisher’s seal, the Hori take blockcutter’s seal, and a date-aratame censor seal (Chicken 4, April 1861). The print is matted and framed in a narrow gold leaf frame with rounded corners.
Dimensions
Includes frame.
Item #
16LEX269-034
