Utagawa Kunisada/Toyokuni III (1786-1865) Yozakura Cherry Blossom at Night, 1848. Oban triptych.
This is a fabulously beautiful Kunisada triptych from his mid career. Three women are seen by moonlight against the wonderfully abstract trunk of a cherry tree and overhanging blossom. There is a delicate rhythm to the three figures which is echoed by the undulations of the sprawling trunk. The muted, moonlit colouring adds to the languid, floating-world feel of the piece. The composition retains the practice (derived from kabuki) of each figure enjoying its own space on a single sheet.
The title, Yozakura, refers to the organised practice of cherry viewing at night. More commonly Hanami (daytime viewing) is still carried out as it was in Edo with large organised groups meeting under the flowering trees to admire the blossoms.
Very good impression and colour. A well preserved and beautiful Kunisada triptych, unbacked, no issues.
77cm x 35.5cm.
