Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769–1825)

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An extremely fine triptych showing beauties and families outside the famous dry goods store Ebisuya. ( Two roundels with the shop’s symbol Ebisu – one of the Seven Gods of Good Luck – are on either side of the entrance. ) Besides the elegance of the figures, there is an added anthropological perspective as we can view the crowds of customers inside the building. Presumably Ebisuya was the prime motivator in getting this print published. Another impression ( ex Spaulding collection ) is in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, accession number: 21.7744. Published by Takasu Soshichi, c 1795. Very rare.

Fine impression with exceptionally well preserved colour. One small area affected by damp, otherwise in remarkably fine condition. Full size. Signed Toyokuni ga.

Status: Sold