Description
This impressive kabuki design showcases two actor portraits set within circular insets against a vibrant deep blue background adorned with oversized white peonies and plum blossoms. The warrior depicted at the bottom leans forward, displaying an enraged expression and grimacing as he gazes upward. The samurai positioned at the top firmly grips his sword with one hand, wearing a distinguished suit of armor over a patterned kimono. His hair hangs loosely at the sides and is tied into a low ponytail at the back, with a few stray hairs framing his face, imparting a slightly disheveled appearance, suggestive of a battle-hardened demeanor. The composition is striking, characterized by rich color and exquisite detailing in the portrayal of the hair.
This artwork displays exceptional color and detail, as depicted. There is minimal soiling, and for a more detailed inspection, please refer to the attached photos. Overall, the piece is in very nice condition.
These Woodblock Prints were created using the traditional Japanese Woodblock Printing technique, much like the way we use rubber stamps today.
The text or image was first drawn onto washi (Japanese paper), then glued face-down onto a plank of wood, usually cherry. Wood was then cut away, based on the drawing outlines. A small wooden hard object called a baren was used to press or burnish the paper against the inked woodblock to apply the ink to the paper. Although this may have been done purely by hand at first, complex wooden mechanisms were soon invented and adopted to help hold the woodblock perfectly still and apply proper pressure in the printing process. This was especially helpful with the introduction of multiple colours that had to be applied with precision over previous ink layers.
While, again, text was nearly always monochrome, as were images in books, the growth of the popularity of ukiyo-e brought with it demand for ever increasing numbers of colours and complexity of techniques.
These prints are rendered using Nishiki-e (“brocade pictures”)—a method of using multiple blocks for separate portions of the image, using a number of colours to achieve complex and detailed images. A separate block was carved to apply only the part of the image designated for a single colour.
Special Comments
A print by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864).This Japanese print is by default a limited edition because these were printed only as long as the wood block was printed crisp. It was discarded as soon as it became blunt so only a few hundred or so copies of such prints survive today worldwide.
This is an original woodblock print on Japanese paper and may have some time-induced damage as it is at least a century old. Please review the print carefully. It is sold as is.
Japanese Woodblock Prints come as a single print or a set of three panels or compartments side by side (Triptych) or a set of two panels or compartments side by side (Diptych).
Some Japanese prints may be a single panel that was a part of a Triptych or a Diptych. They are priced accordingly.