Dyeing of the Lilac Genji triptych (Japanese woodcut print with text and image), 1862

Dealer description: Usumurasaki Genji no Somewake ["Dyeing of the Lilac Genji"]

[Toyohara], Kunichika [illustrated by]; Ōta, Komakichi [printing blocks cut by].

Fukagawa Takabashi (Edo): Etsuka, Bunkyū 2 [1862].



A fascinating triptych featuring characters from The Tale of Genji examining a newly purchased sugoroku game sheet based on famous kabuki actors. Searches for the title of the sugoroku pictured - Takara-zukushi no Furiai Sugoroku - have yielded no results in major Japanese library records, suggesting that it was not published. Woodblock prints depicting sugoroku as a focal point are scarce. A beautiful and fascinating set that highlights a key "play" material of Edo print culture.



Three loose leaves, printed on one side, complete. Light trimming. A few light stains and creases. Minor wear to extremities. Washi sticker residue to versos. Each print measures approximately 37.5 x 24.5 cm.