Utagawa Kunisada – Toyokuni III – Portrait of a Kabuki Actor

Utagawa Kunisada

also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III

(1786 – 1865)

Portrait of a Kabuki Actor

This 19th Century woodblock print on rice paper is strikingly modern with the black and white calligraphic patterns in the actor’s kimono and the bold plaid background.

Utagawa Kunisada, also known as Utagawa Toyokuni was the most prolific and successful designer of ukiyo-e (floating world) woodblock prints in 19th Century Japan.

Oban format
Around 10 X 15 inches 25 X 38 cm

Condition: Sheet lightly worn, but with good strong contrasts, as shown.