DescriptionAntique Japanese woodblock print by the artist, Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864) depicting a scene from a Kabuki play titled “Izayoi Seishin”. This is the extortion scene where the character, Seikichi (aka Seishin), seen here in a traveler’s hat, sends his wife, Osayo to ask the lady Ofuji (Shobei nyobo O-fuji) for money. Osayo was once a high ranking courtesan. She is depicted here with her hat pushed back over her shoulders and a comb loose in her hair.Kunisada was born to a family that owned a ferry boat service allowing him the time and money to devote to art. At an early age, he impressed the great master, Toyokuni I of the Utagawa school. He became his apprentice, officially adopting the name Kunisada around 1807. It was during this time that Kunisada’s book illustrations became popular. He is most famous for his actor portraits, bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women) and scenes of life in Edo. Kunisada adopted his master’s name in 1844-1845 becoming Utagawa Toyokuni III. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential woodblock print artists of the time.Age: Edo Period (circa 1850s)
