Carlo Bonte

Utagawa Kunisada

1786-1865

Japanese artist and printer Kunisada was born in the Honjo district of Edo (now Tokyo) in 1786. Showing extraordinary promise at an early age, he was sent to study under the esteemed artist, Toyokuni, one of the great masters of the renowned Utagawa school of woodblock artists.

Kunisada’s print work exhibits the essence of the Utagawa school, concentrating on classical subjects including kabuki theater, actors, and erotic prints of young women. In 1807, Kunisada enjoyed overnight success at the Utagawa school. Honoring the name of his esteemed teacher, he began to sign his prints Toyokuni III. Kunisada prints for sale in the ukiyo-e style are highly sought out by admirers of his intricate woodcut prints. Bring a piece of traditional Japanese art into your home and purchase collectible artwork and vintage woodcut prints offered online and at auction.

Past Lots

Utagawa Kunisada, triptych "Sakuramochi", 1860, triple oban (tate-e), frame 94 x 55 cm

Sold: $750

A collection of seven Japanese woodblock prints by Kunisada (1786-1865), all framed 45x30 cm

Sold: $375

Utagawa Kunisada, triptych of crepe prints (chirimen), 19thC, each print 15,5x21cm

Sold: $350

Utagawa Kunisada, portrait of a sumo wrestler, 1854, 26,5 x 38,5 cm

Sold: $350