Current Status

Hawk  by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Original Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864) Japanese Woodblock Print
Hawk

Series: Picture List of Birds, 1860 (Tori zukushi)

Picture List of Birds - This is a great, rarely seen series by Toyokuni III depicting actors in famous roles, each paired with a specific type of bird, which appears in the background of each scene. These are wonderful bold images, with dynamic compositions and a great use of color. The large half-length portrait format allows for a close-up view with excellent detail. These are outstanding woodblock prints, some of the nicest actor images we've seen, and they would make a fantastic addition to any print collection.

Hawk - Great kabuki portrait of Nakamura Shikan IV as the famous king of thieves, Ichikawa Goemon, from the play "Sanmon Gosan no Kiri." A hawk flies overhead carrying a bloodstained cloth in its mouth, which carries a last message to Goemon from his real father, who was forced to commit suicide. Goemon stares up at the bird with a tight-lipped frown, an ornate pipe in his hand and a heavy robe draped over his shoulders. A terrific expressive image from this classic tale, beautifully detailed with a burnished geometric pattern in the black kimono and bokashi shading in the deep blue sky.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 9 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Slight thinning along vertical fold near left edge, a few small holes, repaired. Soiling, slight rubbing at left edge. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Hawk  by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)
Hawk  by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)
Hawk  by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

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