Comments - Fantastic original Toyokuni I painting for a corresponding woodblock triptych depicting a group of blind men crossing a rustic wooden bridge. The painting is executed in watercolor and sumi ink with traces of pencil drawing visible in some areas. The men crawl along the bridge, groping their way and clinging to their companions. One man's sandal has tumbled into the flowing river below, and bats flutter overhead. A crescent moon can be seen through the graceful branches of a willow tree framing the scene. An incredible and rare, one-of-a-kind painting used as the basis for the woodblock print. Each panel is signed Toyokuni "ga" (drawn by) in ink and includes hand-drawn seals for the publisher, Nishimuraya Yohachi. The Mead Museum at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts, has an impression of the final woodblock print. A wonderful opportunity to add a unique item to an ukiyo-e collection.
Artist - Toyokuni I (1769 - 1825)
Size - 28 3/4" x 14 3/4"
Condition - This triptych with excellent color and detail as shown. Three panels, attached at the seams and backed with very thin paper. Vertical fold in left panel, a few faint creases. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall.
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