Utagawa Toyokuni III (1786-1865) - Early 19th Century Woodblock Two Ladies

Description

This intricate diptych depicts two oiran ladies in fine clothing facing each other. The artist creates a luxurious atmosphere of rich colours and fine materials with blossom trees blooming in the background, complimenting the elaborate designs of the women's yakatas and kimonos. Signed. Both panels are presented in a simple dark wooden frame. On pith paper.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some discolouration.

Size

31.9 x 45.9cm (12.6" x 18.1")
Framed Size: 35.7 x 49.7cm (14.1" x 19.6")

Artist Biography

Utagawa Kunisada (Japanese: 歌川 国貞; 1786 - 12 January 1865), also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III (三代 歌川 豊国 Sandai Utagawa Toyokuni), was the most popular, prolific and commercially successful designer of ukiyo-e woodblock prints in 19th-century Japan. In his own time, his reputation far exceeded that of his contemporaries, Hokusai, Hiroshige and Kuniyosh