Utagawa Kunisada (1786–1865)
The Controlled Type (Shimatsu ga yosaso), from the series The Modern Thirty-two Types (Imayo sanjuni so), 1859, 12th month
Woodblock print
Vertical oban:
36.2 x 24.8 cm.
14 1/4 x 9 3/4 in.
36.2 x 24.8 cm.
14 1/4 x 9 3/4 in.
Signed: Toyokuni ga
Sealed: aratame (certified), Goat 12 (December 1859)
Publisher: Fujiokaya Keijiro (Shorindo)
Engraver: Yokogawa Takejiro
Sealed: aratame (certified), Goat 12 (December 1859)
Publisher: Fujiokaya Keijiro (Shorindo)
Engraver: Yokogawa Takejiro
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During his early 70s, Kunisada started work on several series that are understood to have been conceived with the intention of him leaving an enduring legacy as a major artist....
During his early 70s, Kunisada started work on several series that are understood to have been conceived with the intention of him leaving an enduring legacy as a major artist. Extra care and attention was given to the designs, as well as the materials, engraving and printing. The Modern Thirty-two Types is one such series which employed the highest standards of production, including the use of imported and expensive dyes. This is especially apparent when viewing the first edition where thick, deluxe paper was also used.
"The Controlled Type" adjusts a hairpin with one hand she has . Another impression is in the collection of The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, accession no. 11.41016, go to: https://collections.mfa.org/objects/471999