Old style and new style exemplified in actor portraits and in scripts, set against a background imitating gold-flecked writing paper. Colour woodcut by Kunisada I, 1852.
- Utagawa, Kunisada, 1786-1864.
- Date:
- 1852
- Reference:
- 35945i
- Pictures
About this work
Description
In this delicate print, the portraits are placed on trompe l'oeil writing papers of different eras. They are by Kunisada I (1786-1865), on the right in his own 'modern' style and on the left copying or parodying Kiyomitsu I (1735-1785)'s style which was current to c.1700. It thus celebrates the long tradition of Ukiyoe actor portraiture
Half-length figures
Publication/Creation
Edo [Tokyo] : [publisher not identified], 1852.
Physical description
1 print : woodcut, printed in colours
Lettering
Ichiyōsai Toyokuni-ga ; Torii Kitomitsu-ga
Bears publisher's mark, block cutter's mark, censor's seal, actor's role and set title
Set title in cursive script; the style of script varies from print to print in the set
The signature is in vertical blue panels
Notes
Ancient and modern coloured writing papers compared
Reference
Wellcome Collection 35945i
Type/Technique
Languages
Subjects
Where to find it
Location Status Access Closed stores