Kuniyoshi: Beauties and Cherry Blossom Viewing at Mount Toei

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi 国芳
Title: Cherry Blossom Viewing at Mount Toei: Toto Toeizen no zu, 東都東叡山の圖
Date: 1846-48

A finely dressed beauty at center with a kimono featuring red chrysanthemums is followed uphill by her attendant, who holds her tobacco pipe and pouch as well as a towel, and who seems to be a little winded climbing the hill. The woman at right seems to be coming down the hill, and escorts her small charge as she points out something of interest to our left, further along down the hill. Cherry blossoms bloom in the background, and we also see the pillars of what must be a temple building. Toeizan is another name for Kaneiji Temple in Tokyo, a Buddhist Temple that now is part of Ueno Park. Toeizan means “Mount Hiei of the East” and Kaneiji was a temple of more than 30 buildings before most of it was destroyed in the Boshin War during the Meiji period. Today the five-story pagoda and the Ueno Toshogu shrine still stand.

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition. Untrimmed and unbacked. Binding holes near edges.
Dimensions: 36.6 x 75 cm
Publisher: Wakasa-ya Uhei
Seal: Yoshi kiri
Signature: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga

SKU: KUY557