Original Woodblock Prints Utagawa Yoshikazu "Asakura Saemonnojô Sadakage" - Japan - 1858

Japanese Original Woodblock Prints Utagawa Yoshikazu "Asakura Saemonnojô Sadakage" from the series Mirror of Famous Generals of Our Country (Honchô meishô kagami) - Signed Ichijusai Yoshikazu ga -  Publisher Maruya Jinpachi - Censor's seal Horse 7 - 1858 (Ansei 5), 7th month

Size: Height 35.8cm, width 24.4cm

Object literature: Utagawa Yoshikazu (歌川芳員) was a prominent Japanese ukiyo-e artist born in 1823 in Edo (modern-day Tokyo), Japan. He belonged to the Utagawa school, one of the most influential and prolific woodblock print schools of the Edo period.

Yoshikazu initially trained under his father, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, a renowned ukiyo-e artist, who greatly influenced his artistic style. Under his father's guidance, Yoshikazu mastered various techniques of woodblock printing, including intricate line work and vibrant color usage.

Yoshikazu gained recognition for his skillful portrayal of kabuki actors, historical scenes, landscapes, and beautiful women (bijin-ga). His prints often depicted scenes from popular kabuki plays and historical events, capturing the dramatic expressions and movements of actors with meticulous detail.

During the Bakumatsu period (late Edo period), Yoshikazu also contributed to the genre of yakusha-e, which focused on portraits of kabuki actors. His yakusha-e prints were highly sought after by kabuki enthusiasts and collectors, showcasing his ability to capture the essence and charisma of performers on stage.

In addition to kabuki prints, Yoshikazu's works also reflected the changing socio-political landscape of Japan during the mid-19th century. He depicted significant events such as the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry's Black Ships in Japan, which marked the end of Japan's isolationist policy and the beginning of its modernization.

Yoshikazu's artistic versatility and innovation in printmaking techniques contributed to the enduring popularity of ukiyo-e during a period of rapid societal transformation in Japan. His prints are celebrated for their dynamic compositions, rich colors, and expressive portrayals, which continue to captivate art enthusiasts and scholars worldwide.

Despite the decline of the ukiyo-e tradition with the onset of modernization in Japan, Yoshikazu's legacy lives on through his extensive body of work, which remains cherished for its historical significance and artistic brilliance.

Utagawa Yoshikazu passed away in 1870, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most accomplished artists of the Utagawa school and a key figure in the development of ukiyo-e art.