«Heading» - International League of Antiquarian Booksellers
«Heading» - International League of Antiquarian Booksellers
«Heading» - International League of Antiquarian Booksellers
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His first works date from the early 1850's, his first<br />
signed print, "picture by student Yasohachi", from 1852.<br />
His new artist's name "Kunichika" dates from 1854. His<br />
status within the studio grew and by the time <strong>of</strong><br />
Kunisada's death in 1865, Kunichika had been<br />
commissioned to produce several portraits <strong>of</strong> his<br />
teacher, and after Kunisada's death, was commissioned<br />
to design two memorial portraits. His increasing<br />
importance can be found in the Saikenki, a type <strong>of</strong><br />
popular guide containing ratings <strong>of</strong> ukiyo-e artists. In<br />
publications dating from 1865, 1867 and 1885,<br />
Kunichika's name appears among the top ten; in eighth,<br />
fifth and fourth place, respectively.<br />
Kunichika was little concerned for material wealth or<br />
personal appearance and was <strong>of</strong>ten in debt. He<br />
thoroughly enjoyed partying and drinking and fancied<br />
the theatre. His interest in Kabuki and his portrayal <strong>of</strong><br />
its actors gave him entree to their world and he spent<br />
hours backstage documenting the poses and facial<br />
expressions <strong>of</strong> the actors in their various roles.<br />
Contemporary reports observed that his use <strong>of</strong> color in<br />
his actor prints was the most skilful aspect <strong>of</strong> his art, in<br />
keeping with the Utagawa tradition. A master <strong>of</strong><br />
theatrical prints, Kunichika documented the history <strong>of</strong><br />
the Mejia-era Kabuki. His oban bust portraits are well<br />
known, but his Kabuki triptychs are among the most<br />
dramatic ever produced. He remained active up to the<br />
end <strong>of</strong> his life with documented works dating to only<br />
months before his death.<br />
142. [Kabuki Actors]<br />
Woodblock print (nishiki-e)<br />
Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900)<br />
c. 1870<br />
Ôban tate-e triptych [Each sheet 14 x 9 1/2 inches]<br />
Signature: Toyohara Kunichika hitsu<br />
Seal: Toshidama<br />
[27391]<br />
£360<br />
Topography<br />
Oxford<br />
Kunichika died on July 19th, 1900 at the age <strong>of</strong> 65, due<br />
to poor health and heavy drinking. His grave can still be<br />
found at the Buddhist Shingon-sect temple <strong>of</strong> Honryuji<br />
in Imado, Asakusa. His death marked the end <strong>of</strong> an era<br />
<strong>of</strong> full-color woodblock actor prints and the end <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Ukiyo-e print tradition.<br />
Condition: Two small worm holes to top <strong>of</strong> centre and<br />
right panel. [27388]<br />
£325<br />
141. [Kabuki Actors]<br />
Woodblock print (nishiki-e)<br />
Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900)<br />
c. 1870<br />
Ôban tate-e triptych [Each sheet 14 x 9 1/2 inches]<br />
mounted<br />
Signature: Toyohara Kunichika hitsu<br />
Seal: Toshidama<br />
[27390]<br />
£375<br />
143. The Spires <strong>of</strong> Oxford<br />
Etching and drypoint<br />
K. Vernon<br />
c. 1920<br />
Image 124 x 200, Plate 152 x 200 mm, Sheet 201 x 238<br />
mm<br />
mounted<br />
A scarce view <strong>of</strong> Oxford from New College Tower.<br />
[27713]<br />
£150