Utagawa KUNISADA /TOYOKUNI III
(Japan 1786–1865)
- Title
- Tôkaidô between Yoshiwara and Kambara: Iwabuchi: Woman Daruma
- Other titles:
- Yoshiwara and Kambara: a female Daruma
- Alternative title:
- Tôkaidô Yoshiwara Kambara kan Iwabuchi onna Daruma
- Place of origin
-
Japan
- Period
- Edo (Tokugawa) period 1615 - 1868 → Japan
- Year
- 1852
- Media category
- Materials used
- colour woodblock print
- Dimensions
-
Ôban tate-e: 35.4 x 24.6cm image/sheet
- Signature & date
- Signed l.c., in Japanese, ink [incised on block] "Toyokuni-ga [picture by Toyokuni]". Not dated.
- Credit
- Purchased 1995
- Accession number
- 211.1995
- Location
- Not on display
- Further information
Kunisada (Toyokuni III) was a prolific artist of the late 'ukiyo-e' school. Bodhidharma, or Daruma in Japanese, was the legendary founder of Zen Buddhism, easily recognised by the characteristic red robe that covered his body and head. In the deliciously irreverent and witty style of 'ukiyo' culture, images of courtesans dressed as Daruma appeared, drawing parallels between the austerities Bodhidharma endured during the nine years he meditated in front of a wall to obtain Enlightenment, and the trials of a courtesan who was contracted to a brothel for ten years.
The Asian Collections, AGNSW, 2003, pg.254.
- Bibliography (2)
-
Gary Hickey (Author), Beauty & desire in Edo period Japan, Parkes, 1998, 66 (colour illus.), 71. plate no. 19
'The Floating World', The Asian Collections Art Gallery of New South Wales 2003, 2003, 254 (colour illus.).
- Exhibition history (2)
-
The Floating World: Japan's World of transient pleasures, Art Gallery of New South Wales, 25 May 1994–17 Jul 1994.
Beauty and Desire in Edo period Japan, National Gallery of Australia, 06 Jun 1998–09 Aug 1998.
