Utagawa TOYOHARU (1735-1814)
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The founder of the Utagawa school who had, amongst others, Toyohiro and Toyokuni as his pupils. Although not the first to use western conventions of linear perspective, he was the first to employ them extensively and in full colour and had obviously studied engravings from Holland, Germany and Italy -particularly prints of Venice after Canaletto. Uki-e Fukagawa Eitai suzumi no zu, “Perspective Picture: A View Enjoying the Cool Near Eitai Bridge, Fukagawa.” Shows the Sumida River busy with boats; Eitai Bridge in the distance to the left and beyond the masts of vessels moored at Tsukudajima. (The Eitai Bridge was to collapse in 1807 killing anything from 500-1500 people.) To the right the then newly built neighbourhood of Nakazu. The water on the right is the Hakozaki canal. Published by Eijudo, c 1771. Provenance: Ex Hayashi collection, seal in right border. Extremely rare.
Fine impression and colour with the blue at the top intact which is very rare. In exceptional condition. Signed Utagawa Toyoharu ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOHARU (1735-1814)
Click here to view image full size.
An extremely fine large painting by Toyoharu – the founder of the Utagawa School and teacher of Toyokuni and Toyohiro. Show a group comprising a high-ranking courtesan, her two kamuro ( attendants ), and her manservant carrying a lantern with either the crest of the Yoshiwara House or the crest of the courtesan. They are probably venturing out to meet wealthy customers in the teahouses of the Yoshiwara. The ample girth of the courtesan is typical of Toyoharu’s style at this time. Her surcoat ( uchikake ) is wonderfully decorated with breaking waves; the theme repeated on the coat of the front attendant. Little is known of his beginnings but it is thought he studied under the Kano-school master Tsuruzawa Tangei. He then went to Edo around 1763 where it is thought he was the pupil of Shigenaga and Sekien. Amongst his achievements was the development of the uki-e or perspective print. He gave up print design in the 1780s. Full colour on paper, 48.75 x 21.75 in; 124 x 55.5 cms. Fine new mount and double box. Perfect condition. Painted in his prime, c 1780. Although prolific ( something like 100 paintings are known by him ), this is probably the finest example extant.
Status: Sold
