Antique Japanese miniature woodblock prints by Utagawa Kunisada, set of 18

Color woodblock prints, miniature format, turn of the 19th–20th century

Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji is a well-known illustrated series based on a popular Edo-period novel by Ryutei Tanehiko, with original designs by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III).
This lot consists of 18 original Japanese color woodblock prints, all produced in the same miniature format and forming a unified series.

Each print depicts an individual scene with elegantly dressed figures, rendered in the traditions of ukiyo-e, bijin-ga, and Genji-inspired imagery. The compositions are finely cut, with detailed textile patterns and decorative backgrounds enhanced with silver-speckled effects (kirazuri).

The inscriptions on the front vary across the series and preserve the classical literary and artistic attribution to Tanehiko and Kunisada. The reverse sides are blank, without publisher marks or seals.

Based on format, printing technique, and decorative features, this set belongs to early modern reprints produced around the turn of the 19th–20th century, faithfully reproducing Edo-period compositions by Kunisada. These are not Edo-period originals, but authentic antique woodblock prints intended for collecting and appreciation at the time of issue.

Details

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Series: Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji
Quantity: 18 woodblock prints (one lot)
Technique: color woodblock print
Paper: traditional Japanese washi
Format: miniature, all prints of the same size
Decorative features: silver-speckled backgrounds (kirazuri)
Period: turn of the 19th–20th century

Condition

Good antique condition. Antique works may show natural signs of age (toning, small creases, minor corner wear), so please review the photos carefully.

Size

Size (approx.): 6 × 9.5 cm each.

Shipping

Safe and tracked shipping from Latvia (Riga Gallery of Japanese Art CloudyYokomido).

For US buyers: this item enters the United States duty-free.