956 - Woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III), scene: Kataoka Gado II as Gofukuya

Woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III), scene: Kataoka Gado II as Gofukuya Jubei Japan, Edo period, 1853 Woodblock print on washi (Japanese paper). Dimensions: 23.7 × 36.2 cm. The sheet is loose. Signed u.r. by the publisher. Condition: Slightly browned, wormholes at upper right. Interesting kabuki scene with Kataoka Gado II as Jubei, who runs a gofukuya, a store for silk fabrics and kimonos. Here he is taking a break under a pine tree on a journey. In one hand he holds a pipe, in the other a tobacco container and a pipe case, while he looks over his shoulder with a worried expression. Behind him, a worker is carrying a yoke with a wooden box on which two hats are lying. Mount Fuji rises in the distance. An appealing design with an attractive scenery. Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865), also known as Toyokuni III, was a pupil of Utagawa Toyokuni. He is the most prolific artist in Japanese art and created more than 40,000 works, including prints, books and paintings. He devoted himself to all genres, but was particularly distinguished by his prints of kabuki theater, in which he revealed an extraordinary inventiveness.