Rare Aviation Books

[Unknown]

UTAGAWA, Toyokuni I

Tokyo: [Unknown], Circa 1800. Portrait-format colour woodblock print printed on cream-coloured paper, mounted inside a red and white folder with window cutout. Print size is 24.5 cm x 36 cm. With folder, overall size is 35 cm x 50 cm. A fine print with vibrant colour. This exceptional print depicts a beautiful Japanese women in a red and blue kimono and a black-clad man against a background of blossoms and mountains. It was created by respected Japanese woodblock artist and ukiyo-e master Toyokuni I Utagawa (1769-1825).

Tokokuni I was mostly known for his prints of kabuki actors, in particular his portraits of yakusha-e. He also created warrior prints, erotica and portraits of beautiful Japanese women (a genre known as "bijin-ga") of which this print is an example. He was admired for his bold works and is credited with creating the diptych, triptych and polyptych formats, as well as training students to become masters of ukiyo-e. Toyokuni I worked relentless to elevate the Utagawa School, and, thanks to his efforts, the school become the pre-eminent institution for ukiyo-e printmaking in the 19th century.

This detailed print evokes the mood of the characters depicted through the use of bold shapes and flowing movement in their actions and clothing, particularly in the female figure. Delicate shading in the background and attention to the textiles and other decorative elements offer a calming contrast to the dark intensity of the black linework. Item #5090

Price (AUD): $750.00