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Hello: I acquired two woodblocks that I am told are Tokoyuni. One (without much writing) is labeled on the back Chushingura the other is not labeled. I am wondering what series they are from or if they can be identified. I believe the publisher is Heikichi. Thank you all!

The artist is Kunisada (aka Toyokuni III). The first might be part of a triptych. The second might be part of a series. I can't see the date seal (too small) to use as a starting point.

Cheers,
Stan

Here are some more pics; I had to reduce the size. I thought the signature was closer to Tokoyuni II but again cannot tell. I also included a pic of the censor mark. Is there any way to tell from the writing on top of the one piece what it is or if its from a Kabuki, which one? Thank you very much.

Re: your email.

Kunisada had dozens of signature variations. Take a look at the Kunisada site:

http://www.kunisada.de/

See below for the sigs.

Cheers,
Stan

URL Title :Kunisada signatures and seals

From the pix you sent:

The first print above was printed in 1843-46.

The second print was printed in 1860. The Boston MFA has 9 prints from the same series as yours: Comparisons of Lovers, a Collection of Ballads (Koi awase, hauta-zukushi) but not your particular print.

Here is an example of one of the MFA prints:

http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/actors-sawamura-tanosuke-iii-as-koman-and-ichikawa-ichiz-iii-as-sangobei-from-the-series-comparisons-of-lovers-a-collection-of-ballads-koi-awase-hauta-zukushi-190294

Cheers,
Stan

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