Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) Tokiri Otsu-e kitai maremono [Otsu Paintings Coming Alive], signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi, kiri seal, published by Minatoko, censors' seals Hama and Kinugasa, good impression, colours and condition; and Ukiyo Matabei meiga no kidoku [Ukiyo Matabei and actors as Otsu-e Characters], Otsu characters springing into life from the brush of Matabei (with whom Kuniyoshi identified), and whirling around, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi, kiri seal, published by Koshimuraya Heisuke, date seal Ox 8 (1853), good impression, colours and condition, slight soiling; and in a very similar vein, the centre sheet of the triptych Meiyo migi ne tekinashi Hidari Jingoro, [Subjects come to Life Around Hidari Jingoro] where this time Kuniyoshi visualises himself as the famous left-handed sculptor Hidari Jingoro (who also was a cat lover) bringing his wooden carvings to life, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi, published by Kinshodo Oban tate-e (3)