Asian Art

March 0510, 2022
Auction begins to close at 2:00 pm ET

Online Auction
LOT 364

Lot 364

Utagawa Hiroshige (1979-1858) and Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III, 1786-1865), Biwa-Hoshi Near Maisaka, Circa 1854-1857

Utagawa Hiroshige (1979-1858) and Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III, 1786-1865), Biwa-Hoshi Near Maisaka, Circa 1854-1857
Lot 364 Details
Utagawa Hiroshige (1979-1858) and Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III, 1786-1865), Biwa-Hoshi Near Maisaka, Circa 1854-1857

No. 31 from the series 'Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido by Two Brushes'; colour woodblock print, framed
image 14.4 x 9.8 in — 36.5 x 25 cm

Estimate $300-$500

Realised: $240
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
Utagawa Hiroshige (1979-1858) and Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III, 1786-1865), Biwa-Hoshi Near Maisaka, Circa 1854-1857
  • Utagawa Hiroshige (1979-1858) and Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III, 1786-1865), Biwa-Hoshi Near Maisaka, Circa 1854-1857
  • Utagawa Hiroshige (1979-1858) and Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III, 1786-1865), Biwa-Hoshi Near Maisaka, Circa 1854-1857
  • Utagawa Hiroshige (1979-1858) and Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III, 1786-1865), Biwa-Hoshi Near Maisaka, Circa 1854-1857
  • Utagawa Hiroshige (1979-1858) and Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III, 1786-1865), Biwa-Hoshi Near Maisaka, Circa 1854-1857
  • Utagawa Hiroshige (1979-1858) and Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III, 1786-1865), Biwa-Hoshi Near Maisaka, Circa 1854-1857
Provenance:

Sakai Co., Ltd (Established in 1874), according to the label

Note:

This unique series of prints took the well-depicted subject of the Tokaido road from Kyoto to Edo (modern-day Tokyo), and combined the artistic accomplishment from the two ukiyo-e masters Utagawa Hiroshige I and Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) for a novel collaborative series of woodblocks. Each print in the series depicts a bordered landscape by Hiroshige on the upper portion of the sheet, while figures designed by Kunisada are set in the foreground.

The current print depicts three blind 'biwa-hoshi', or lute priests, traveling performers with a view of Lake Hamana from Maisaka station. The role of biwa-hoshi was typically reserved for the blind, and their work in reciting vocal literature to the accompaniment of lute music was crucial for preserving pre-Meiji period oral history.

Two Brushes Tokaido, Hiroshige.org.uk

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 364
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.