Information
Date : 1860
Size : O-ban
Impression : Very good
Condition : Good
Detail : Thick deluxe paper / Slight browning
Kunisada (1786 – 1865), also known as Toyokuni III, was the most popular, prolific, and commercially successful artist of ukiyo-e woodblock prints in 19th-century Japan. In his own time, his reputation far exceeded that of his contemporaries, Hokusai, Hiroshige, and Kuniyoshi.
In his later career, around 1860 - 1864, Kunisada planned a series of 150 large-head portraits (O-kubi-e) of famous kabuki actors. The series, known as O-kubi-e series published by Kinshodo, was intended to be the monument of his illustrious art career. Only the most expensive materials and the finest carvers and printers were to be used. 72 prints were completed before his death.