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Subject:Another Japanese woodblock
Posted By: Sally Sat, Feb 02, 2019 IP: 92.2.63.59

Hi, thanks for info on the Kunisada print. I'd really appreciate the benefit of your expertise in identifying the author and title of this print, and any other information that you can provide.
Thanks







Subject:Re: Another Japanese woodblock
Posted By: Sally Mon, Feb 04, 2019

Could it be Tokoyuni 1 ?

Subject:Re: Another Japanese woodblock
Posted By: I.Nagy Tue, Feb 05, 2019

Title,
闇になを人おどろかす五位鷺の聲 - Yami ni nawo hito wo odorokasu goi-sagi no koe - Voice of night heron which still surprises people in the darkness
Name cartouche,
豊國画 - Picture of Toyokuni
彫竹  - Hori Take - Yokokawa Takejiro - Name of block-cutter
吉、伊勢兼 - iseya Kanekichi - Name of publisher

(1853)
Toyokuni III. a.k.a. Kunisada
The print depicts a story from "The Tale of the Heike"

With regards,
I.Nagy

Subject:Re: Another Japanese woodblock
Posted By: Sally Wed, Feb 06, 2019

Thank you both for a wonderfully comprehensive reply. I love the poetry of the title and it's great to know more about Japanese art and literature. I found this print in a folder amongst my father's things It almost certainly came from my grandfather who had a great interest in art in general and a small collection of Japanese prints. The other Kunisada print which you so kindly identified was bought more recently.

Subject:Re: Another Japanese woodblock
Posted By: Stan Tue, Feb 05, 2019

The signature is "Toyokuni". However, the artist is Utagawa Kunisada (aka Toyokuni III). It was printed in the ninth lunar month of 1853 (long after Toyokuni I died in 1825).

The top of the screen appears to be composed of genji mons. Likely, this print has to do with the Tale of the Genji. The genji mon on the lower left of the screen corresponds to Chapter 21 - Otome (The Maiden). This appears to be reflected in the subject of the print with a man kneeling at a maiden's feet. Or the screen is just decorative.

Perhaps, I. Nagy will translate the cartouche at the upper left, and we will know all.

Cheers,
Stan

Subject:Re: Another Japanese woodblock
Posted By: Stan Tue, Feb 05, 2019

One more thought...

Assuming that it is a genji print, then the man kneeling is likely Prince Genji himself.

Cheers,
Stan


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