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Japanese print in Obân Tate format representing a group of three women accompanied by a crane. Signed on the left "Toyokuni ga".
Some foxing and sunstroke. Wooden frame covered with silver leaf. Handwritten inscriptions on the back.
Period between 1800 and 1820.
Dimensions of the frame: H 52.3 x L 38.3 cm, of the print: H 39 x L 25.5 cm
Toyokuni I (1769-1825)
Born in Edo, he is the son of Kurohashi Gorobei, a sculptor of dolls and puppets including reproductions of kabuki actors. Toyokuni was a student of Utagawa Toyoharu, the founder of the Utagawa school, whom his father knew well and who lived nearby, around the age of 14.
One of Toyoharu's other students, whose path he crossed, was Toyohiro, whose student was to become the great artist Hiroshige.
As a testimony to his talent, Toyokuni took the name Utagawa Toyokuni, taking, as was customary, a syllable from his master's name.
Toyokuni's best-known heir will be Kunisada, also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III, of whom you can find a print for sale in my gallery.
Ref: 937CX8LMZL