Evening Scene with Beauties and Blossoms from the series 'Snow, Moon, and Flowers'
Print, multi-panel woodblock print (Ukiyo-e) • Utagawa Toyokuni III (Utagawa Kunisada)
Style & Movement
Ukiyo-e (Pictures of the Floating World), Utagawa School
Medium & Technique
Polychrome woodblock print; ink and color on paper (Nishiki-e technique)
Creation Period
Edo Period, mid-19th century (c. 1847-1852)
Dimensions & Format
Approx. 35 x 47 cm (Diptyh format composite), landscape orientation
Subject Description
An interior-exterior scene depicting bijin (beautiful women) in an elegant setting looking out at a garden at night. A prominent lantern (andon) sits between the figures. The narrative likely relates to Genji-e themes popular in the mid-19th century, reimagining the Tale of Genji in contemporary Edo fashion.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows evidence of vertical center fold and some fading of organic pigments.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $700
Auction Estimate
$300 - $500
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a Western collector of Japonisme in the 20th century; features typical Utagawa school artist signatures and publisher seals.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the late Edo period's commercial print culture and Kunisada's dominance as the most prolific and popular print designer of his era.
Notable Features
Features the signature 'Toyokuni ga' within a red cartouche; includes intricate textile patterns on the kimonos which was a specialty of the Utagawa school.
Condition Issues
Visible center seam where panels join, slight tonal yellowing of the paper, minor foxing in the upper margins, and moderate light-fading of the blue (Aigami) and red (Beni) pigments.
Conservation Recommendations
Mount using acid-free materials; protect from direct UV light to prevent further fading of Fugitive pigments; professional cleaning could reduce foxing.