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Subject:Probable Kunihisa II Fragmentary Print - Any Value?
Posted By: Bill H Sat, Sep 28, 2019 IP: 2601:342:200:6e70:a0

A friend asked for advice on this fragmentary print signed by the woodblock artist who I take to be Utagawa Kunihisa II (1832 – 1891). I've checked in some of the usual repositories, including MFA Boston, Seattle Art Museum, British Museum, New York Met and a host of Google suggestions, finding very little on either of the Kunihisas and no sign of this print.

If anyone can point the way to additional sources to search or other information on this print, I'd be most obliged.

Best regards,

Bill H.





Subject:Re: Probable Kunihisa II Fragmentary Print - Any Value?
Posted By: Stan Sat, Sep 28, 2019

This print is based “The Tale of the Genji”. The servant’s shirt is covered with various Genji symbols. I may be able to help more when I get back to my library.

As far as value goes, the 3 most important things for prints are; condition, condition, and condition. Also, it helps to be by a highly collectible artist.

Cheers,
Stan

Subject:Re: Probable Kunihisa II Fragmentary Print - Any Value?
Posted By: Bill H. Sun, Sep 29, 2019

Stan, thanks a million for the info. I went back to the searching today with the Genji lead, including a tour of the Japanese Diet's online collection. Didn't turn up that print yet, but haven't finished by any means. Appreciate your offer to take a look in your library.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Subject:Re: Probable Kunihisa II Fragmentary Print - Any Value?
Posted By: Stan Fri, Oct 04, 2019

I did a little research on Kunihisa II. He was a student and son-in-law of Kunisada and a second-tier ukiyo-e artist. I thought my texts might have a list of the series of prints he produced, but all I found were a few one-liner references to him.

Apparently, with one of his Genji series, Kunisada started a whole sub-genre of ukiyo-e called Genji-e. Likely, Kunihisa was trying to profit from the demand for Genji prints during this time with this print.

Like you, I tried to find this print online but was unsuccessful.

Cheers,
Stan

Subject:Re: Probable Kunihisa II Fragmentary Print - Any Value?
Posted By: Bill H Fri, Oct 04, 2019

Much obliged for the follow-up, Stan.

Best regards,

Bill H.


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