Print was created by Utagawa Kunisada in ca. 1840.

When was "Print" created?

This artwork was created ca. 1840.

What medium is "Print"?

Print is Woodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paper.

Is "Print" in the public domain?

Yes, Print is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

Print

Utagawa Kunisada

ca. 1840

Medium

Woodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paper

Dimensions

8 7/16 x 7 3/8 in. (21.4 x 18.7 cm)

Classification

Prints

Culture & Period

Japan · Edo period (1615–1868)

Department

Asian Art

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Rogers Fund, 1923

Accession Number

JP1454

Tags

SwordsMenScreens

Art Historical Context

This exquisite woodblock print (surimono) by Utagawa Kunisada1786–1864), created around 1840 during Japan's Edo period (16151868), captures the vibrant world of ukiyo-e, the "pictures of the floating world" that celebrated everyday pleasures, theater, and heroism. Kunisada, a master the Utagawa school and later known as Toyokuni III was renowned for his dynamic depictions of kabuki actors and warriors, blending bold colors, expressive poses, and intricate details in ink and color on paper. Measuring just 8 7/16 x 7 3/8 inches, its intimate scale suits private viewing. As a surimono—a luxuriou...

About the Artist

Utagawa Kunisada · 1786–1864

**Utagawa Kunisada (1786–1865)** Born in 1786 in the Honjo district of Edo (modern Tokyo), Utagawa Kunisada hailed from a family with a hereditary ferry-boat service that provided financial stability, allowing him to pursue art from a young age. His father, an amateur poet of note, died shortly after his birth, leaving young Sumida Shōgorō (Kunisada's childhood name) to nurture his evident talent...

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