Utagawa Kunisada Japanese Woodblock Print PAIR Toyokuni III Edo Ukiyo-e Echigoya

Description

View Utagawa Kunisada Japanese Woodblock Print PAIR Toyokuni III Edo Ukiyo-e Echigoya with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. Kōchōrō Kunisada ga. (“Drawn by Kōchōrō Kunisada”). One of the pleasures of this composition is the abundance of finely observed narrative details revealed upon close inspection. The composition continues to reward careful viewing, revealing new details with each look. Pair of Antique Japanese Ukiyo-e Woodblock Prints c1830’s Edo period (attributed) Attributed to Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III, 1786–1865) Two Companion Panels from Echigoya at New Year Offered is a matching pair of antique Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints attributed to Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III, 1786–1865), depicting two companion panels from the well-documented triptych Echigoya at New Year (also translated as The Shop Echigoya at New Year). The composition portrays fashionable women, attendants, and children participating in New Year festivities outside Echigoya, the celebrated Edo-period drapery merchant that later evolved into today’s Mitsukoshi Department Store. These two sheets preserve the left and right panels of the original three-print composition and remain together in matching vintage presentation frames. Attribution Both prints bear the signature: 香蝶楼 国貞画 Kōchōrō Kunisada ga (“Drawn by Kōchōrō Kunisada”) Visible publisher-style seals and period-style censor marks accompany the signatures and appear consistent with traditional Japanese ukiyo-e production. The paper, pigments, printing characteristics, and overall construction similarly display features associated with antique Japanese woodblock prints. These observations are presented as informed opinion based upon comparative research and visual examination. No third-party authentication has been obtained, and the precise printing date, publisher, and impression state are not guaranteed. The Composition Rather than offering two unrelated decorative prints, this listing includes two surviving companion panels from the same narrative composition. The left sheet depicts an elegantly dressed woman interacting with a young child celebrating the New Year, while the right sheet depicts another woman and attendant walking through the bustling commercial district with Mount Fuji rising beyond the rooftops. Together they illustrate Kunisada’s characteristic interest in fashion, seasonal customs, and daily life during the late Edo period. One of the pleasures of this composition is the abundance of finely observed narrative details revealed upon close inspection. Elaborately patterned kimono textiles, expressive figures, traditional New Year’s festival objects, and beautifully rendered decorative motifs, including charming waterfowl gliding across rippling water woven into one kimono, reflect the storytelling and design sophistication for which Kunisada’s works are celebrated. The composition continues to reward careful viewing, revealing new details with each look. Paper & Printing The prints exhibit numerous characteristics associated with traditional Japanese woodblock printing, including: • Handmade washi paper with visible natural fiber structure • Traditional mineral and organic pigments in cobalt blue, rose, black, and earth tones • Artist signature • Publisher-style seal • Period-style censor marks • Natural oxidation and age toning • Original dealer/export labels retained on the reverse These characteristics have been documented photographically throughout the listing for buyers wishing to conduct their own evaluation. Collector’s Note Works by Utagawa Kunisada remain among the most recognizable examples of nineteenth-century Japanese ukiyo-e. This offering presents an opportunity to acquire two companion panels from one of his best-known narrative compositions while preserving the vintage framing and presentation in which they have remained for decades. Estate Provenance This pair was acquired from the estate of a well-traveled private collector whose collection included Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, and decorative arts assembled over many years. While provenance alone does not establish authenticity or precise dating, the collection context is consistent with the character and presentation of these works. Vintage Presentation The prints remain housed in matching faux-bamboo wood frames fitted with reverse-painted black glass mats accented by hand-painted gold pinstriping. The framing appears to date from the mid-twentieth century and complements the prints without obscuring them. Original dealer/export labels remain attached to the aged backing paper. The prints have intentionally not been removed from their vintage mounting in order to preserve the existing presentation and backing materials. Condition Details These antique woodblock prints exhibit expected characteristics of age, including age toning, creases, and historic moisture-related staining. Despite these condition issues, they retain crisp printed linework, attractive traditional blue, rose, black, and earth-tone pigments, and retain excellent visual impact when displayed. Left Panel (Woman and child) Exhibits lighter historic moisture-related discoloration, age toning, and handling wear throughout the sheet. Minor creasing and age-related paper wear are present. The principal figures, signature, publisher’s seals, and printed imagery remain clear and visually attractive. Right Panel (Mount Fuji) Displays the more pronounced historic tide-line water stain extending down the left side of the sheet. The staining is most visible in the upper-left sky adjacent to Mount Fuji and becomes darker toward the lower-left corner. Additional age-related moisture discoloration and creasing are present within portions of the composition. The principal figures, facial features, signature, publisher’s seals, and primary imagery remain intact. Frames & Presentation The matching faux-bamboo wood frames display light vintage wear consistent with age. The reverse-painted black glass mats (verre églomisé) remain intact and present beautifully. Original backing paper shows age-related wear and retains vintage Japanese export dealer labels. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the description and accurately depict the condition of both prints and frames. Measurements Each framed print measures approximately: 20 inches high 16 inches wide Sold together as one matching pair. Attribution & Authenticity Statement These prints are offered as attributed antique Japanese woodblock prints based upon extensive visual examination and comparison with documented examples. The attribution is supported by: • Artist signature • Publisher-style seals • Period-style censor marks • Handmade washi paper • Traditional pigments • Companion composition • Vintage export dealer labels • Estate provenance No guarantee is made regarding precise edition, printing date, or publisher, and buyers are encouraged to make their own independent assessment. Shipping The pair will be professionally packed using rigid corner protection, multiple layers of cushioning, and double-boxed shipping to help ensure safe arrival and fully insured by the carrier all for the $75 flat shipping fee. Utagawa Kunisada Toyokuni III Kōchōrō Kunisada Japanese woodblock print ukiyo-e nishiki-e Edo period Echigoya at New Year The Shop Echigoya at New Year bijin-ga Japanese beauties Mount Fuji Mitsukoshi handmade washi paper publisher seal censor mark antique Japanese print triptych companion panels framed Japanese art faux bamboo frame reverse painted glass verre églomisé Asian antiques Chinoiserie Hollywood Regency Japanese export label antique estate collection nineteenth century Japanese art Simply Marvi Vintage Category: Antiques › Asian Antiques › Japan › Prints.

Primary Material

Paper

Color

Multi-Color

Original/Reproduction

Antique Original

Region of Origin

Japan

Age

Edo Period c1830s Attributed

Maker

Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) Attributed

Country of Origin

Japan