Untitled

Utagawa Kuniyasu

ca. 1823 · Triptych of woodblock prints (surimono); ink and color on paper · Asian Art

Compared to his teacher, Utagawa Toyokuni, Kuniyasu portrayed actors with more angular, sharp-edged lines, particularly in the treatment of facial details. This rare surimono triptych was produced in honor of the New Year. Three actors play the badminton-like game called hanetsuki, a traditional New Year's activity. Humorous poems by contemporary poets are inscribed throughout the three sheets.

Artist

Utagawa Kuniyasu

Date

ca. 1823

Medium

Triptych of woodblock prints (surimono); ink and color on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Jack Greene Gift, 2001