Japanese Ca. 1810 Edo Woodblock Print Toyokuni I Geisha Courtesan Samisen Taiko

Description

Authentic circa 1810 Edo period Japanese woodblock print by Utagawa Toyokuni I (1769-1825) depicting two geishas playing a samisen and taiko drum while floating on a pleasure boat lit by paper lanterns.  A floral arrangement of pine, prunus, and bamboo (the "three friends of the garden") sits on a lacquered stand in front of them.  Bears the "kiwame" seal (used pre-1842), the artist's signature, and the seal of the publisher Izumiya Ichibei at the lower right.  Paper: 13 7/8" x 9 1/4".  Over 200 years old and in very good condition for its age.  Large margins on the top and left.  Image trimmed unevenly on the right side.  Some soiling and rubbing.  A few small paper losses at the top corners and at the bottom right portion of the image.  Thin old mulberry paper album backing.
Probably a panel from a triptych.