Kunisada 国貞: Tattooed Carpenter Holding a Tray of Woodworking Tools

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864) 歌川国貞 (三代目 歌川豊国)

Title: Tattooed actor Kataoka Ichizo displaying the pride of a craftsman. 

Series: Edo Jiman Uwaasa Benkei  Date: 1861

Tattooed actor Kataoka Ichizo displaying the pride of a craftsman. He is featured as a carpenter and holds the tools of his trade, which include a mallet and chisels, a  crosscut saw (hikikiri), a wood plane (kanna), a sumitsubo (carpenter’s ink line), what looks like a gimlet, and and adze (chôna). Tucked into his belt we see a carpenter's square. He has shrugged off the shoulder of his jacket, which features the bricklike pattern that is generally worn by firemen. His tattoo features a yamaboshi with a small boy and a collecting basket beneath pines. The background of a strong plaid design adds to the drama.

Condition: Excellent impression and color; very good condition. Minor smudge/rubbing near right forefinger and backing remnants, verso; some slight waviness to portions of the print.

Dimensions: ôban 35.2 x 24.2 cm
Publisher: Otaya Takichi Signature: -- Toyokuni ga

SKU: KUS592