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Subject:Original Utagawa Kuniyoshi Block Print
Posted By: Lance Frazer Wed, Jul 01, 2015 IP: 67.187.170.37
Good day. As I am new to this forum, I do hope I am proceeding properly. I recently purchased a set of four Japanese woodblock prints, including what is described as an original Utagawa Kuniyoshi print. This print has a tag on the larger sheet to which it is attached which reads "Original Print Guarantee by Sakai Co. Ltd. Established 1874 Yokohama Japan", and below it is written in pencil "Kuniyoshi 1797-1861." Checking the online catalog of the Boston Museum of Fine Art, I find that the print was produced in 1852 and is titled "Wanting to See How One Looks", from the series Auspicious Desires on Land and Sea. I do not find any other references online to other museums or large collections holding this particular print.
I do not speak or read Japanese, so my fact-checking may be suspect, but in comparing the Japanese characters on the Museum of Art specimen and mine, they appear identical. The piece is clearly a woodblock print of significant age (and not as bright and vibrant as the Museum one), and I am trying to find out more about this print, its value, and also the artist and origins of the three other prints in the collection. I would appreciate any thoughts, references to other sites or other information that any member of the forum can offer. I have also uploaded a photo of one of the other woodblock prints.
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