Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865), Genre Scene with Two Actors, pre-1946

Color woodcut, paper; sheet dimensions: 362 x 248 mm; signature: Kochoro Kunisada ga and circular kiwame censor stamp (used until 1845). Publisher: Yamamotoya Heikichi (publisher's stamp under the kiwame seal).

State of preservation: graphic glued upper margin and lower right corner to cardboard backing. Slight creasing of upper margin.

Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865) Also known as Toyokuni III - One of the most popular and prolific Japanese artists of the 19th century. Kunisada was financially successful as a creator of woodcuts in the ukiyo-e style. He created in Edo, where he belonged to the Utagawa school, and was a student of Toyokuni I. He quickly became a true "star" of the Utagawa school, his master's right hand in book illustration. He created portraits of kabuki theater actors, portraits of women and landscapes.