Utagawa Kunisada Toyokuni III Original Japanese Woodblock Print Edo Bijin Fan

USD 65.98

Condition: The print is in fair to good condition for its age, showing expected wear consistent with an original mid-19th century impression. The sheet exhibits even toning, minor foxing, light surface creases, and soft edge wear, with small paper losses along the upper and lower margins. There are no traces of prior matting or hinge marks at the edges. Colors are well preserved, particularly in the kimono patterns, though some fading is visible in the lighter areas. The artist’s signature and publisher’s seal are intact and legible, and the inscriptions remain clear despite light fading. Overall, the work retains strong visual appeal and authenticity, presenting as a well-preserved example of Kunisada’s Edo-period bijin style with honest age-related wear.

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Description

View Utagawa Kunisada Toyokuni III Original Japanese Woodblock Print Edo Bijin Fan with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. A fine example of Kunisada’s elegant bijin portraiture. Signature: 国貞画 (Kunisada ga) at lower left. Anauthentic Edo-period kunisada bijin print in collectible condition with: intact signature and publisher seal, rich kimono detail, and expected age wear (toning, foxing, small edge losses and mounting traces). Utagawa Kunisada Toyokuni III Original Japanese Woodblock Print Edo Bijin Fan Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (歌川国貞), also known as Toyokuni III (三代豊国) Title: Bijin with Fan and Male Portrait in Fan Cartouche (Untitled beauty scene) Date: Mid-19th century (c. 1840s–1850s, Edo Period) Publisher: Seal visible at lower left (unidentified) Signature: 国貞画 (Kunisada ga) at lower left Format: Oban tate-e (vertical oban) Size: Approx. 14.5 x 9.75 inches Condition: Fair to good impression; mild toning, light surface wear, small paper losses at upper edge, minor foxing, and light creases as shown. Mounted to backing sheet along edges. Colors remain well-preserved with fine detail, Provenance: From a private collection in the United States. This is an authentic 19th-century impression, not a reproduction or reprint . Please refer to the detailed photos to assess condition and authenticity. A fine example of Kunisada’s elegant bijin portraiture Condition Summary — Comprehensive Overall grade: Good for age / Fair to good — an authentic mid-19th century (Edo period) Japanese woodblock print showing typical age wear but with strong visual presence and intact signature/seal. Surface & paper Overall light to moderate toning and age yellowing across the sheet consistent with 19th-century paper. Minor foxing (small brown spots) scattered, more noticeable in the margins and lighter on the image area. Several light creases and handling folds visible across the sheet (including a faint vertical center crease). These are stable but visible in raking light. A small area of paper thinning /softening in places where the ink is lighter; no extensive brittle loss observed. Three small circular indentations/punctures near the lower right margin (visible in photos). These do not penetrate deeply but are visible on close inspection. Edges & margins Light edge wear and softening around the perimeter from previous framing/matting. Small paper loss/abrasion at the top edge (minor) and at the lower right corner area (small nick/stain) — visible in photos. Margins show mounting remnants (adhesive or hinge traces) along the far edges; the print appears to have been attached to a backing sheet (not removed), so there is evidence of prior backing/matting. Buyer should note the print is currently mounted. Inscriptions, signature and seals Artist signature (Kunisada) remains visible at lower left and is readable though somewhat faded. Publisher’s seal/mark is present and legible in the lower-left area (faint but present). Additional Japanese calligraphic inscriptions appear in three locations (upper right, lower right/center margin, and along the bottom left area). These inscriptions are intact though some strokes are slightly faded from age. Image quality & color Colors remain well preserved for an Edo-period impression — the greens, pinks and yellows retain good saturation and the kimono pattern details are crisp. Some fading of pastel areas (notably the fan cartouche/pink background) and very light surface dirt in places. No large ink losses; printed lines and kento registration appear consistent. Repairs & restorations No obvious modern inpainting or large repairs visible in provided photos. Because the print is mounted to a backing sheet, any back-of-sheet repairs or pasted repairs cannot be fully assessed without removal from the mount. Buyer should assume there may be prior conservation/mounting interventions and request professional inspection if needed. Structural notes No active insect damage or extensive water damage evident from images, though there are a few small scattered damp-type stains in the margins. and some small holes as shown in pictures. Overall assessment An authentic Edo-period kunisada bijin print in collectible condition with: intact signature and publisher seal, rich kimono detail, and expected age wear (toning, foxing, small edge losses and mounting traces). Best suited for a collector, framing (behind UV acrylic and with professional hinging to conserve), or further conservation if buyer desires full flattening/mount removal. Value Summary: Original woodblock prints by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) remain among the most collectible works from the late Edo period. Kunisada was one of Japan’s most prolific and popular ukiyo-e artists, particularly known for his bijin-ga (portraits of beautiful women) and kabuki actor scenes . Comparable mid-19th century Kunisada bijin prints—featuring similar color palettes, inset portrait cartouches, and complete signature and publisher seals—typically sell in the $200–$450 range , depending on condition, rarity, and subject matter. This example shows solid collector value due to: Clear and identifiable artist signature and publisher seal Rich kimono detailing and color preservation Authentic Edo-period impression (not a reprint) Elegant subject composition pairing a female figure and inset male portrait Given its authentic Edo period origin and detailed preservation, this print would reasonably appraise in the $275–$375 retail range. SHIPPING : Print will ship Priority mail in rigid cardboard outer, with archival acid free paper on both sides of print, sandwiched between acid free backing boards.  The backing boards will be covered in a moisture wrap for further protection against liquid and will then be wrapped in bubble wrap for shock absorption.  Print will be insured for the purchase price and will arrive in 2-3 days after Post Office receives it.  I ship within 1 business day of purchase. If you have questions, please ask before purchasing. Condition: The print is in fair to good condition for its age, showing expected wear consistent with an original mid-19th century impression. The sheet exhibits even toning, minor foxing, light surface creases, and soft edge wear, with small paper losses along the upper and lower margins. There are no traces of prior matting or hinge marks at the edges. Colors are well preserved, particularly in the kimono patterns, though some fading is visible in the lighter areas. The artist’s signature and publisher’s seal are intact and legible, and the inscriptions remain clear despite light fading. Overall, the work retains strong visual appeal and authenticity, presenting as a well-preserved example of Kunisada’s Edo-period bijin style with honest age-related wear.. Category: Antiques › Asian Antiques › Japan › Prints.

Primary Material: Paper
Color: Multi-Color
Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
Region of Origin: Japan
Age: 1800-1849
Maker: Utagawa Kunisada (歌川国貞), also known as Toyokuni III (三代豊国)
Country of Origin: Japan