This picture was based on a Kabuki story of 'Kirare Yosa'. Otomi and Yosaburo, the main characters of the story, are presented on this piece. This is thought to be a part of a Ukiyo-e series, each piece of has own subject related to 'Go Sekku (five seasonal festival)'. The title 'Yayoi' has a meaning of March.
Holes, wears on the edges, slightly soiled
Utagawa Kunisada, later called Toyokuni V, succeeded Utagawa School which flourished at the time when Toyokuni led the school and he created a lot of art works over a long period of time. He is known as a prolific artist who probably created more than ten thousands.
Kunisada was taught by Utagawa Toyokuni when he was a teenager and became famous for portraits of noble beauties and lively actors and illustrations for books in his early 20’s. Between 1804 and 1830, he used another artist’s name “Gotoutei”. His artworks which were created during this period are most attractive.
From 1830 onwards, he used another artist’s name “Kouchourou” and created portraits of round-necked and short-necked beauties that were short in height. Most of the ukiyo-e artists at that time followed this trend. In contrast with current criteria of beauty, long bodied and short legged beauties seem to have been very popular at that time.
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Item #108500801
