Utagawa Toyokuni III, "Actors Set Against Mount Oyama's Waterfall at Sekison Shrine"

Mount Oyama in Kanagawa Prefecture west of Tokyo (Edo) was a popular site for Edo-period visitors seeing spiritual cleansing and religious inspiration. Here, Toyokuni III (Kunisada) depicts three kabuki actors set against the holy waters of the waterfall on Mount Oyama. Each of the actors are intricately inked and pose dramatically. The bell serves as an offering at the waterfall, while the inscription on the large wooden sword is a dedication to the deities. A rare and spectacular tattoo design!

Date: 1860
Format: Oban Triptych (each sheet approx. 9" x 14")
Publisher: Itoya Shobei
Condition: Excellent color and condition

Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) (1786-1865) is one of Japan's most prolific and well-known Japanese woodblock print artists to emerge during the peak of ukiyo-e period printmaking. As was common among Japanese artists at the time, his moniker evolved from his teacher and master, Toyokuni I (1769-1825), as his prominence grew.

Custom matting available for triptych prints. Sizes will be determined for best presentation in consultation with customer - overall size range will be 20" - 22" (height) X 38" - 40" (width). Note that additional shipping charges apply (sorry, no international shipping available for matted triptychs).