Japanese Woodblock print
Part of a triptych
Unknown
Other
Maybe
Hello Tara,
Thank you for your appraisal inquiry with Mearto. The item presented appears to be a color woodblock by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川國芳, Japanese, 1798-1861). The print should measures about 13.5 x 9.5 inches. The object includes inscriptions and artist seal to the lower corners. Kuniyoshi was one of the last great masters of the Japanese ukiyo-e style of woodblock prints.
Further examination of the print outside the frame may lead to further information regarding age and publication. The estimate provided is based on recent auction estimates and results of comparable 19th century woodblocks by Kuniyoshi depicting women. Thank you and please take care.
Hello Tara. No, not that I can see. Other examples of Kuniyoshi woodblocks referring to fireworks show fireworks exploding the sky. Example below.
https://egenolfgallery.com/products/kuy255?variant=29586625921106
Hi Mearto,
The Victoria and Albert museum And a Japanese print shop in London have confirmed that this print in by Kunisada and is around 1930. Your evaluation was bogus ! Can I please have a refund !
Hello Tara. I am very sorry. You are correct. Kuniyoshi and Kunisada are contemporaries and this was human error. I apologize. Unfortunately, I do not have access to refund. Please contact Mearto's support team at "CONTACT" to the bottom of the page.
Utagawa Kunisada (歌川 国貞, Japanese, 1786 - 1865) is also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III (三代 歌川 豊国). As the shop and museum identified this print as a 1930 print, that indicates the print is a posthumous reprint, which is very common for Japanese woodblocks. It is important to note that I did mention that examination of the object in person and outside the frame would provided that kind of detail.
Additionally, recent auction records indicate a comparable fair market value estimate for posthumous reprints after Kunisada. Therefore, the estimate provided does not need to be updated. Thank you and please take care.
I meant 1830 !
As I mistyped 1830 - I’m sure the evaluation would be different.
Hi Tara. Oh, I see 1830. Yes, that does mean the estimate should be updated. Auction records indicate most lifetime impression by Kunisada estimate from $200 - 500. However, more recent records show that these items are passing at auction or not reaching the low estimate. I believe this trend is due to the pandemic and I expect the market to stable out once it is over. I would still place an auction estimate of $200 - 500 today, as most auction houses are doing so. I have updated the fair market estimate above.
Does this woodblock print have anything to do with fireworks?