Description
Japanese antique woodblock print by Toyokuni I (1769-1825) of a woman and boy. The lady holds a bamboo branch festooned with decorations possibly for the Tanabata Festival. In the upper left is a blossoming branch hung with paper strips of writing (tanzaku). During Tanabata this writing would be wishes.
Utagawa Toyokuni (Toyokuni I) started work in the studio of Toyoharu at the age of 14. He was heavily influenced by the print artist, Utamaro. Toyokuni I later became one of the most influential print artist of Japan, teaching famed artist such as Kunisada and Kuniyoshi. He is most famous for his bijin-ga (pictures of beauties) and yakusha-e (pictures of actors).
Age: Edo Period (c. early 1800s)
Dimensions: 14 3/4″ high x 9 7/8″ wide
