Japanese Figurative Edo Woodblock Set of Two by Toyohara Kunichika

Description

Alluring two-piece edo woodblock print of Japanese actors by Toyohara Kunichika (Japanese, 1835-1900). Titled, dated and signed on verso. Presented … more Alluring two-piece edo woodblock print of Japanese actors by Toyohara Kunichika (Japanese, 1835-1900). Titled, dated and signed on verso. Presented in cream mats, with black and red frames and plexiglas. Each frame measures 22"H x 17"W; Image size: 13.5"H x 9"W.

Born in 1835, Toyohara Kunichika grew up in the Kyobashi district of Edo in the midst of merchants and artisans. In 1848, at age 13, he was accepted as an apprentice into the studio of Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III 1786–1865).

Kunichika's work stands in contrast to that of many of his contemporaries as he persistently held onto the traditional style and subject matter of the classic Japanese woodcut, unaffected by new Western forms of art. His love of Kabuki inspired him to depict actors in their various roles and varying facial expressions. His skillful use of color and ability to translate the actor's depth of emotion onto the page makes his work some of the most dramatic ever produced. Later on in his career, Kunichika turned primarily to the triptych format as the increased size gave him the space to fully portray the drama and action of the characters represented. less