Utagawa Kunisada Toyokuni III - Soga Brothers Kabuki Diptych - Edo Woodblock Print 1851

Original Edo-period nishiki-e woodblock print diptych by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III, 1786–1864), dated 1851, Kaei 4.

The two-sheet composition depicts Ichimura Takenojō V as Soga Jūrō Sukenari and Ichikawa Danjūrō VIII as Soga Gorō Tokimune in the kabuki play Hanakyōdai Satsuki no Yobanashi. The scene represents the attack on Kudō’s temporary quarters.

The performance took place at the Ichimura-za theatre in the fifth month of 1851.

The sheets bear two signatures used by Toyokuni III: Ichiyōsai Toyokuni ga and Kōchōrō Toyokuni ga. Published by Nakayone. The two circular censor seals are those of Fukushima Wajūrō and Muramatsu Genroku. The design, actors, publisher and performance are documented in the National Theatre collection of the Japan Arts Council.

Format: nishiki-e, color woodblock print on Japanese paper, two ōban sheets forming a diptych.

Size: approximately 49 × 31 cm overall.

Condition

Antique condition. Both sheets have been trimmed from their original ōban dimensions, particularly in height. Age-related toning, folds and creases, surface wear, small holes and localized paper losses are present.

Please examine the photographs carefully. The photographs form part of the condition description.

Shipping

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

For US buyers: US customs processing is prepaid through the shipping service, so no additional customs processing payment is required upon delivery.