Torii KIYOMITSU (1735-1785)

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A large oban panel, 11.75 x 16.5 in; 29.75 x 42 cms showing three beauties playing, from the left, a shamisen, a koto, and a kokyu in an interior with hand-painted screens. A beautiful and important print. Kiyomitsu was the son and pupil of Kiyonobu II, the third of the Torii line and a prominent print designer. He pioneered the polychrome print which was brought to full fruition by Harunobu. Benizuri-e with beni, blue, yellow and green by superimposing blocks. Published by Kichi Uemura (Kichiemon of Emi-ya) c. 1764. There was a convention of printing three hosoban designs to a sheet from the 1720s to 1760s with a linking theme, in this case even though the image is signed three times it is as one. Exceptionally rare: The only other impression appears to be that in the Ritsumeikan University, Japan, Z 0165-424. An unread collector’s seal bottom right.

Fine impression and colour. Minor expertly restored areas, but in fine condition for a print of this size and date. Signed three times Torii Kiyomitsu ga.

Status: Sold