Double-sided Key Block for Ukiyo-e Print
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Object Label
This carving served as the key block, the first one made by the carver, based on Kunisada’s original drawing. It provides the basic outlines of the design. The key block was used to make a number of simple black impressions that served as guides for the carving of all subsequent blocks. The print made by this carving was the mirror image of what we see here, so all of the text on the block is in reverse. This block is actually signed by its carver, Asai Ginjirō (1844–1894). There was no general policy with regard to carvers signing their work, but such signatures are definitely in the minority.
Caption
Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) (side a) Japanese, 1786–1865; Eisen Keisai (side b) Japanese, 1790–1848. Double-sided Key Block for Ukiyo-e Print, ca. 1830. Cherry wood, 15 1/2 x 10 1/8 x 3/8 in. (39.4 x 25.7 x 1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. Alvin E. Friedman-Kien, 2002.119.15a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.119.15a_PS20.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Title
Double-sided Key Block for Ukiyo-e Print
Date
ca. 1830
Period
Edo Period
Geography
Place made: Japan
Medium
Cherry wood
Classification
Dimensions
15 1/2 x 10 1/8 x 3/8 in. (39.4 x 25.7 x 1 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Alvin E. Friedman-Kien
Accession Number
2002.119.15a-b
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
You may download and use Brooklyn Museum images of this three-dimensional work in accordance with a Creative Commons license. Fair use, as understood under the United States Copyright Act, may also apply. Please include caption information from this page and credit the Brooklyn Museum. If you need a high resolution file, please fill out our online application form (charges apply). For further information about copyright, we recommend resources at the United States Library of Congress, Cornell University, Copyright and Cultural Institutions: Guidelines for U.S. Libraries, Archives, and Museums, and Copyright Watch. For more information about the Museum's rights project, including how rights types are assigned, please see our blog posts on copyright. If you have any information regarding this work and rights to it, please contact copyright@brooklynmuseum.org.
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