Utagawa Kunisada(1786-1865) The Fourth Month 1847-1852 Toyokuni III Woodblock

This is titled the Fourth Month. Notice the sasarindo motif on the robe of Mitsuuji who is leaning down read a letter. Since this mon was said to be the personal crest of the Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147-99) it could not be a crest used at the time of the writing of the Tale of Genji. Is the same character used for the name Genji.

The Edo period (named for the town that is now modern Tokyo) was ushered in by the consolidation of the Tokugawa shogun's power, which introduced a prolonged period of peace. With the patronage and support of a new class of well-to-do town dwellers (called chonin in Japanese), commerce, the arts, crafts, kabuki theater, and entertainment offered by the teahouses and courtesans of the licensed pleasure quarters flourished, contributing to the development of a distinctive new urban culture. In both archaic and contemporary forms, the story had been relocated from the old capital of Kyoto to the new audience Edo.

Measurements: 15 x 10 1/4 inches. Unless described as being new, the items for sale are vintage or used and it may show evidence of wear. The description refers to the overall condition and details.

We try to describe the items to the best of our ability. All listings are described as to the best of my knowledge, through careful research and price and description comparison. We welcome all reasonable offers! Please check out my other items. Thank you for looking and good luck! This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian Antiques\Japan\Prints". The seller is "esellerbernard" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Primary Material: Paper
• bijin-ga: Utagawa school
• original japanese woodblock: japanese woodblock
• tale of Genji: Genji
• Tokugawa: shogun
• Japan: Edo
• Color: Multi-Color
• The fifth month: The twelve months
• Region of Origin: Japan
• Japanese: Utagawa Kunisada
• Gototei: Kochoro
• Maker: Utagawa Kunisada
• nishiki-e: toshidama cartouche
• Utagawa Toyokuni III: ukiyo-e
• courtesans: geisha
• Jûnika tsuki no uchi: Minatoya Kohei
• woman reading a letter: japanese tradition
• woodblock print: Tokyo
• Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
• Featured Refinements: Japanese Woodblock Print
• Age: 1847-1852