Lady Horikawa 100 Poets Utagawa Kunisada Woodblock Print

Antique 19th century Woodblock Print

In the 1840s, Japanese woodblock artist, Utagawa Kunisada (also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III; 1786 – 1865), created prints in a series called "100 Poems by 100 Poets. As a Ukiyo-e artist, Kunisada was familiar with this theme from predecessors who documented Japan's poetic history from 600-1200AD. This is one of the 100 poets and features Lady Horikawa who was an attendant to Empress Taiken in the 1100s and then became a nun. Utagawa Kunisada was a master of his craft in his lifetime and the variety of work that exists today exemplifies not only his skill, but also obsession for it. Looking at the extensive details from the scroll, papers, travel box, and clothing, we see the immense thought that went into each portrait's composition. 

Collector's Notes:

Condition: Excellent

Expected wear for age; print features paper staining and creasing consistent with age. No notable frame damage; minor scuffing and denting consistent with frame type.

Size: 20 3/4" frame height; 15 3/4" frame width; 3/4" depth; 14" visible print height; 9 1/2" visible print width