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Small Versions of Larger Prints by Utagawa Kunisada
Thirty Six Immortal Poets' Cards (3)
Small Versions of Larger Prints by Utagawa Kunisada
Small Versions of Larger Prints by Utagawa Kunisada

Thirty Six Immortal Poets' Cards (3)

Artist (Tokyo, Japan, 1786 - 1865)
Date1853
Mediumcolour woodcut on paper
ClassificationsPrints
DimensionsPlate Size: Height: 36.6 cm, Width: 25 cm
Frame: Height: 65.1 cm, Width: 50.1 cm
AcquisitionAcquired in 1955.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG007465
About MeThis is one of a series of four prints which together depict a group of thirty six contemporary actors. Aberdeen Art Gallery owns three of the four prints.

These prints were made as a parody of the 'thirty six immortal poets' who were selected for a famous anthology of poetry in the eleventh century.
In 1842 the government prohibited luxurious prints in order to encourage morality in the society, and restricted colours and themes of ukiyo-e. When this colourful and lavish print was published these regulations were already relaxed. However the title of 'Immortal poets' reflects the fact that the regulations caused artists to make portraits of actors with the format of national hero or 'thirty six immortal poets' in order to turn censor's eyes off.

Signature: Toyokuni

More About Me
Devised at the tail-end of the Edo Period, at a time characterised by isolationism and censorship, this depiction of the Thirty Six Immortal Poets is one of four prints made to satirise a famous anthology of poetry in the 11th century.