ASAKUSA (Katsukawa Shuntei)

N.1 ukiyo-e woodblock print
Period: 1804-18
Condition: good
Size: 17,5 x 11,5 cm

SOLD

Description

Important polychrome woodblock print dating back to the Bunka era (文化) and signed on the lower left “Shuntei ga” (春亭画), ie by the artist Katsukawa Shuntei (勝川春亭). The work is entitled “Asakusa” (あさくさ) and is taken from the “Twelve Views of the Eastern Capital” (東都十二景), a rare series co-designed with the famous Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾北斎).

The print, depicting the Sensoji (浅草寺) temple complex, still one of the most popular destinations of the Japanese capital, on which stands the Five-Storied Pagoda (五重塔) which is interesting to observe on the left in its ancient location, was produced by the publisher Iseya Rihei (伊勢屋利兵衛), owner of Kinjudo (錦樹堂), whose seal is visible in the lower right.

The woodcut, despite the right signs of aging and the presence of a small tear on the left margin and slight signs of folding on the lower corners, is in overall good condition.