Utagawa Toyokuni I (1769-1825) Iwai Hanshiro IV and Ichikawa Danjuro VI from an untitled actor series, mid-1790’s. Oban.
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Toyokuni remains probably one of the most significant artists in Japanese history because of his expansion of the Utagawa School in the early nineteenth century. Toyokuni had a distinctive style but just as important was his head for business and promotion and his connections to the theatres, publishers and kabuki actors. Under his leadership, the scope and visibility of woodblock prints in the early 1800’s burgeoned, as did the nearly 150 known pupils who attended it. These included the titans of Japanese art… Kuniyoshi, Kunisada, Hiroshige and numerous others.
Toyokuni was born in 1769; at 14, he was apprenticed to the first head of the Utagawa house, Utagawa Toyoharu whom his father knew well. In recognition of his artistic ability, Toyokuni later took the name Utagawa Toyokuni, following the common practice of using one syllable of his master's name. He was known mostly for his prints related to the kabuki theatre; in particular his actor portraits, a field which he took to new heights, producing and innovating new forms for diptych and triptych prints and a new realism in theatre work.
Commercially, his flair was of vital importance but his quality diminished with time and it is the early prints such as this example that are the most sought after.
This print shows two actors, Iwai Hanshiro IV and Ichikawa Danjuro VI from an untitled actor series made in the mid 1790’s. I strongly suspect that this is a print commemorating the kaomise ("face showing") performance in 1797 at the Nakamra-za theatre. It shows the two actors as mendicants, carrying portable altars on their backs, each holding the shakujo, or ritual staff that announces their arrival at a house when in pursuit of alms. This ringing sound enables them to not break their vow of silence.
This is a very good, high quality Toyokuni print. Very rare - I cannot find another example anywhere. Delicate vegetable dye colours and gentle, acutely observed lines are typical of the best of Toyokuni. Condition is fine and outstanding also for the age. Some minor paper repairs otherwise all fine.
Publisher: Tsurukin of Tsuruya Kinsuke.
31 x 21 cm.
