Early Edo Woodblocks - Handsome design from a group of early Edo era woodblocks by 18th and 19th century master artists such as Hokusai, Eizan, Eisen, Toyokuni I, and others. This terrific selection of illustrations includes beauties, kabuki portraits, and scenes from everyday life, depicting traditional tales and novels, as well as the new "floating world," in wonderful detail. This is a terrific offering of classic, early designs, and a wonderful opportunity to add a work by a renowned ukiyo-e artist to any collection.

Toyokuni I's Kabuki Portraits - The great ukiyo-e master Toyokuni I is best known for his expressive kabuki designs. His portraits were part of a new trend in creating actor images that more closely resembled the real actor as seen on stage, rather than the idealized portraits that predominated the genre earlier. Toyokuni I dominated the field of actor portraits for nearly three decades, creating bold, dynamic images in his own recognizable style.

Startled by the Sun, 1818 - From left, the actors are Nakamura Daikichi as a beauty, Bando Mitsugoro as Kumasaka Taro, and Nakamura Shikan as Taira Kiyomori.

Artist - Toyokuni I (1769 - 1825)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 30 1/4"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Slight separation at ends of vertical folds, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases, slight rubbing at edges, a few stains. Please see photos for details.