KUNISADA (1786-1865). Courtesan
Artist:
Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)
Subject:
A courtesan writing a letter. In the cartouche a view of Yoshiwara, the pleasure district.
Series:
Modern sparrows of Edo (Tōsei Edo Suzume)
Signature:
Kōchōrō Kunisada ga
Date:
1836–38
Publisher:
Ezakiya Kichibei (Tenjudō)
Size:
Oban tate-e, 38,1x26 cm
Medium:
Woodblock color print.
Remarks:
The series 'Modern sparrows of Edo' highlights activities that defined life in the metropolis: going to the theatre and temples, viewing cherry blossoms and, here, a visit to the Yoshiwara. The cartouche framing the inset of the Yoshiwara is shaped as a toshidama: a twist of cloth or paper containing four coins. This emblem of good fortune was adopted by artists of the Utagawa school, and Kunisada often used it as his seal.
Conditions:
Very good impression, color and conditions.
Item no:
B 345