Signed Toyokuni ga, format oban (tate-e), published by Sanoki, censure seal Aratame, 1854, unframed, 26,5 X 38,5 cm
 
In the first lunar month of 1844, when he was 58, Kunisada was awarded the name "Toyokuni" which had been the name of his teacher who had died 19 years previously. Kunisada communicated his change of name in the signature he used on the hundreds of prints that were published subsequently. Between 1842 and 1843, the shogunate had passed the Tenpo reforms, new anti-luxury laws that included severe and widespread restricitions. Actor prints were banned and the entire market for prints collapsed, causing designers and publishers alike to look for new subjects; one of these was sumo and this led to an enormous surge in prints of this type. This rare and exeptionally vibrant full body portrait is an excellent specimen from the height of this trend.
 
Condition: a few minor stains, laid down on a paper support (removable), in our opinion the item is in good condition.
 
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