Utagawa Kunisada III (Japanese, 1848-1920). Three hand-colored woodblocks, Meiji period, ca. 1900. Signed with the artist's alternate name, Baido Kunimasa. A wonderful triptych of woodblock prints from Japanese ukiyo-e master Utagawa Kunisada. The subject is a scene from a kabuki play, perhaps a cherry blossom viewing party at night, the central image depicting a figure rowing the boat, with picturesque waters and seabirds in the background. The triptych is mounted under glass in an attractive red mat and black wood frame. Size (sight view): 13" L x 27.25" W (33 cm x 69.2 cm) Size (frame): 17.125" L x 31.125" W (43.5 cm x 79.1 cm)

Woodblock prints were created in Japan as early as the 8th century to illustrate texts. By the 18th century Japanese woodblock techniques had evolved, and the first polychrome prints or nishiki-e were commissioned for wealthy patrons of the Edo period. This period was known for marvelous woodblock prints of female beauties, kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers, and courtesans of the infamous pleasure districts. In time the repertoire expanded to include romantic landscapes, flora and fauna, and dramatic historical events. Woodblocks like Utagawa Kunisada's played a major role in the West's perception of Japanese visual culture during the late 19th century when Japonism exerted a powerful influence on French Impressionists such as Degas, Manet, and Monet, Post-Impressionists including Van Gogh, even pioneering Art Nouveau artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec.

About the artist: "Born in Edo as Hidehisa Takenouchi in 1848, Kunisada III was a Meiji period (1868-1912) artist best known for his actor prints. Kunisada III became the student of Toyokuni III at age of eleven. Following the death of his teacher, Kunisada III continued his career under the tutelage of Kunisada II. While he excelled in the field of yakusha-e, or 'actor prints,' Kunisada III worked on book illustrations, game boards (e-sugoroku) and in other popular Meiji period genres such as senso-e (war prints), kaika-e (modernization pictures) as well. He received the name Kunisada III in 1889, but used many different go, or 'artist names,' throughout his career. He used Kunimasa IV and Baido Hosai early in his career, followed later by Kochoro, Kunimasa, and Hosai. Late in his life he tried to use Toyokuni IV, but, as it was already claimed, he went by Toyokuni V. Kunisada III's eldest son followed in his father's professional footsteps as the printmaker Kokunimasa Utagawa." (source: Ronin Gallery website)

Provenance: private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection, acquired before 2010

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The three woodblocks are mounted under glass in an attractive red mat and black wood frame. Woodblocks have not been examined outside the frame. They appear with expected age wear but imagery is still strong. Normal scuffs/nicks to frame commensurate with age. Fit with suspension wire.