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The bell cricket (Chapter 38)

Dimensions
33.0 x 22.0 cm

Explore Utagawa Kunisada II's stunning ukiyo-e prints! Featuring actors, beauties & scenes from Japanese literature. Discover his legacy in Edo period art.

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. ( Buy Hand Made Painting Switch to Digital Image)

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Total Price

$ 81

The bell cricket (Chapter 38)

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 81

Quick Facts

  • Location: Private Collection
  • Notable elements or techniques: Gold leaf embellishment
  • Artist: Utagawa Kunisada II
  • Year: 1857
  • Movement: Japanese Art
  • Dimensions: 33 x 22 cm

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What is the primary subject matter depicted in Utagawa Kunisada II’s painting "The Bell Cricket (Chapter 38)\?
Question 2:
Which artistic technique is prominently employed in this print?
Question 3:
What does the presence of a bottle symbolize within the composition?
Question 4:
Kunisada II’s style is heavily influenced by his teacher Toyokuni III (Kunisada I). How does this influence manifest in Kunisada II's work?
Question 5:
The painting’s atmosphere suggests what overarching theme?

The Bell Cricket (Chapter 38): A Symphony of Harmony in Edo Period Printmaking

Utagawa Kunisada II’s “The Bell Cricket” (Chapter 38), created in 1857, transcends mere visual representation; it embodies the spirit of its time—the waning Edo period and a fascination with literary themes. Published by Tsutaya Kichizo during this transitional era, this Oban tate-e print exemplifies Kunisada II’s masterful command of ukiyo-e technique and delves into profound psychological considerations. The image depicts three women engaged in conversation amidst a serene garden setting—a deliberate choice reflecting the influence of Murasaki Shikibu's seminal novel “The Tale of Genji,” which served as inspiration for this series.
  • Subject Matter: The scene captures a moment of quiet contemplation, portraying women enjoying companionship and engaging in animated discussion. A bottle sits prominently on the left side of the composition, adding to the visual richness and subtly hinting at themes of intimacy and reflection.
  • Style & Technique: Kunisada II’s signature style—characterized by meticulous detail and vibrant color palettes—is evident throughout. The print utilizes woodblock printing with ink and gold leaf, a technique perfected during the Edo period, resulting in stunning tonal gradations and luminous highlights that capture the ethereal quality of candlelight illuminating the garden.
  • Historical Context: “The Bell Cricket” emerged as part of a larger series exploring themes from “The Tale of Genji,” a cornerstone of Japanese literature. This series reflects the anxieties and aspirations of the era, grappling with notions of beauty, morality, and societal expectations—particularly concerning women’s roles in society.
  • Symbolism: The bell cricket itself symbolizes good fortune and renewal, aligning perfectly with the narrative's exploration of hope amidst adversity. The careful arrangement of figures and objects contributes to a harmonious composition that conveys a sense of tranquility and understated elegance.
Provenance: Mrs G.F. Williams – This print holds significant historical value, originating from the collection of an esteemed connoisseur who appreciated Kunisada II’s artistic legacy. Its condition—described as “Very fine colors” with “Full size”—further underscores its exceptional quality and preservation.

Exploring Kunisada II's Artistic Legacy

Kunisada II, a student of Toyokuni III (Kunisada I), skillfully honed his craft while simultaneously upholding the traditions of his master. Despite not achieving the same level of fame as his predecessor, Kunisada II’s prolific output—spanning over 40 series—solidifies his position as one of Japan's most celebrated ukiyo-e artists. His enduring influence can be seen in subsequent generations of printmakers and continues to inspire contemporary artists seeking inspiration from Edo period aesthetics. The meticulous attention to detail and masterful use of color exemplify the pinnacle of Japanese woodblock printing artistry.

A Reproduction Worth Admiring

A hand-painted reproduction of “The Bell Cricket” offers a captivating glimpse into Kunisada II’s artistic vision—a testament to his skill and an opportunity to bring this iconic image into your home. Utilizing the finest materials—premium paper, ink, and gold leaf—the reproduction faithfully captures the original print's luminosity and textural richness. It serves as more than just decoration; it’s a connection to Japanese art history and a celebration of timeless beauty.

Questions & Answers

Which period of Utagawa Kunisada Ii's career does "The bell cricket (Chapter 38)" belong to?

"The bell cricket (Chapter 38)" represents the Mature Edo of Utagawa Kunisada Ii.

At what size is "The bell cricket (Chapter 38)" recommended to be printed?

"The bell cricket (Chapter 38)" is recommended at a large print size. Other sizes are available with the same proportions.

Does "The bell cricket (Chapter 38)" have an augmented reality preview?

"The bell cricket (Chapter 38)" by Utagawa Kunisada Ii can be previewed on your own wall with the artwork's AR Preview page, using augmented reality on a compatible device.


Artist Biography

**early life and training**

utagawa kunisada ii, also known as toyokuni iv, was a renowned japanese ukiyo-e print designer born in edo, japan in 1823. he was a pupil of utagawa kunisada i and signed much of his early work under the name kunimasa iii. around 1850-51, he adopted the name kunisada ii, marking his inheritance of the utagawa school.

**artistic style and notable works**

kunisada ii's prints include over 40 series, mostly featuring actors (yakusha-e), as well as portraits of beauties, illustrations of scenes from literature, erotica, and other subjects. one of his most celebrated works is the tale of the eight dog heroes (hakkendun inu no sōshi no uchi), dating from 1852, drawn from kyokutei bakin's epic novel, the satomi clan and the eight dogs (nansō satomi hakkenden).

**legacy and later life**

kunisada ii headed the utagawa school and worked in the style of his master, but never achieved the same level of success. his popularity waned in the meiji period (1868–1912), and he appears to have stopped making prints after 1874. he died on july 20, 1880, and was buried at banshōin kōunji. his buddhist posthumous name is sankōin hōkokujutei shinji.

**notable mentions in OriginalUniqueArt.com**

**key points in kunisada ii's life**

**further reading on OriginalUniqueArt.com**

Utagawa Kunisada Ii

Utagawa Kunisada Ii

1823 - 1880 , Japan

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Ukiyo-e (yakusha-e)
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Utagawa School']
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Utagawa Kunisada I']
  • Date Of Birth: 1823
  • Date Of Death: 1880
  • Full Name: Utagawa Kunisada II
  • Nationality: Japanese
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Hakkendun Inu no Sōshi no Uchi
    • The Osaka actor Kataoka Gado as An no Heibei
  • Place Of Birth: Tokyo, Japan
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