Kintaro worstelend met karper

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, onder prent, gestempeld: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

Behold the dynamic woodblock print *Kintaro Worstelend met Karper* (Kintaro Wrestling a Carp) by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, created between 1834 and 1838. This vibrant ukiyo-e masterpiece, measuring 376 mm high by 254 mm wide on paper, captures the legendary boy hero Kintaro in a thrilling bout with a massive carp Kuniyoshi, a master of the Edo-period print tradition, infuses the scene with his signature flair for muscular figures and dramatic action, blending folklore with visual spectacle. Kintaro, known as the "Golden Boy," is a beloved figure in Japanese mythology, symbolizing superhuman strength and purity. Raised in the wild by a mountain witch, he wrestled beasts like bears and carps, foreshadowing his future as one of the faithful retainers of Minamoto no Yorimitsu. Kuniyoshi's depiction highlights this cultural icon during Japan's ukiyo-e golden age, when prints democratized art for everyday viewers, showcasing heroism amid the era's strict social hierarchies. Artistically, Kuniyoshi employs bold lines, vivid colors, and expressive poses typical of his musha-e (warrior print) style, pushing boundaries against censorship with imaginative vigor. A collector's mark (Lugt 2228) stamped beneath the image attests to its esteemed provenance, underscoring its enduring appeal in global collections. This print invites us to marvel at Japan's rich storytelling tradition through Kuniyoshi's masterful hand.

About the Artist

Utagawa Kuniyoshi · 1797–1861

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) was born in Edo to the silk-dyer Yanagiya Kichiyemon, originally bearing the childhood name Yoshisaburō. From a young age, he assisted in his family's pattern design work, which sharpened his innate mastery of color and textile motifs that would permeate his later prints. At around twelve years old, his prodigious drawing skills drew the attention of the renowned Utag...