Description
Utagawa Yoshitsuya – Ukiyo-e – The Eight Views of Hellfor the Dead
Utagawa Yoshitsuya ( 歌川 芳艶 , also known as Ichiga-saiYoshitsuya , 1822–1866) was a leading pupil of ukiyo-e master UtagawaKuniyoshi (1798–1861). He specialized in musha-e (warrior prints), legendarybattle scenes, and supernatural imagery. His works are celebrated for theirbold linework, inventive compositions, and dramatic fusion of history and myth,all of which can be found in this print.
The work, published in 1843, is the center panel of atriptych, Jigoku Bakkei Moja no Taware ( The Eight Views of Hell forthe Dead ). It depicts the story of a group of warriors and priests who fellinto hell and fought to defeat the devils.
The impression bears Yoshitsuya’s signature ( 一鵞斎芳艶画 , Ichiga-sai Yoshitsuya ga ), a censor’s seal ( 清 ), andthe publisher’s seal ( 常 , Tsune , 1843–1846). A date seal is worn butpartially visible. Signs of plate wear and slight misregistration indicate thisis a relatively later impression. The print itself is in fair condition: it ismounted on a backing paper and window mat, the top edge shows minor wear, andthe sheet has age-related discoloration.
Print Details
- Medium: Color woodcut on handmade washi paper
- Year: 1843
- Dimensions:
- Mat: 19 × 15 in
- Image: 14 × 9.5 in
- Inscriptions:
- Lower right: 一鵞斎芳艶画 ( Ichiga-sai Yoshitsuya ga ), with publisher’s and censor’s seals
- Lower left: date stamp (partially visible)
- Condition: Fair – worn plate; color fading; date seal worn; mounted on mat; top edge minor wear; mild age discoloration; unframed
Provenance
- A Park Avenue Collection, NYC
- Auctions at Showcase, NYC
Disclaimer:
I have conducted thorough research to ensure the accuracyand authenticity of this print to the best of my ability. However, it is sold asis , with no guarantees or warranties regarding its provenance or historicalattribution.
