Man Holding a Glaive

Artist Utagawa Kunisada (Tokyo, Japan, 1786 - 1865)

Date1861

Mediumcolour woodcut on paper

ClassificationsPrints

DimensionsPlate Size: Height: 34.4 cm, Width: 23.6 cm
Frame: Height: 65.7 cm, Width: 50.5 cm

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG006372

Keywords

About Me'Man Holding a Glaive' (1861) by Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864) is a colour woodcut on paper. This piece is from his series of half-length actor portraits published by the artist in 1861, which were accompanied by poems. Here the actor poses with a long, bladed weapon. The still lifes in the top of the prints were designed by Gengyo Miyagi. The print was made with costly printing techniques such as burnishing the surface to make it glossy, which was typical of Kunisada's works during 1850's and 60's. The red circular mark to the left of the Glaive is the 'toshidama' seal used by artists of the Utagawa school.

Kunisada showed promise as a young child when he began producing high quality Yokushe (pictures of actors) without any formal training. In 1801 he became a student of Utagawa Toyokuni, hence the adoption of the name Utagawa. He moved onto producing gokan (popular novels). One of his earliest known works titled, Oisenukado keshono Wakaonizu was produced in 1801.

In 1820, Kunisada reached his peak as a professional artist with his taut, powerful lines that exemplified his maturing style. After the death of his teacher Toyokuni in 1825, Kunisada became the master of the studio.

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From a series of half length portraits of actors, each accompanied by a poem. The paper was burnished before the printing to make its surface glossy.