Japanese Woodblock Print, published by Adachi from recarved blocksSIZE IN INCHES: shikishi, 7.75 x 9 inches

KUNISADA UTAGAWA (TOYOKUNI III) (1786-1865) was born near Edo (Tokyo) the son of an affluent merchant with a ferry boat license. At the age of fifteen he joined the art school of Utagawa Toyokuni and took the name Kunisada. In 1807 the young artist produced his first illustrated book. And in 1808 his first actor prints were published. His fame grew quickly, and he was successful from the beginning. He would go on to become the most commercially successful woodblock printmaker ever. His early success may not have had a good influence on his personality. He had a reputation for being conceited, but during his lifetime Kunisada Utagawa was considered to be the best print designer by his contemporaries. He was more popular than Hiroshige, Hokusai, Kuniyoshi, and even his teacher Toyokuni I.

Fine, no flaws