Kuniyoshi’s Signatures

 

Below are typical signatures of Kuniyoshi’s from different years.  Like most artists, his signature changed over time, and these changes may be used to date Kuniyoshi’s prints.  Censor’s seals, the presence or absence of actors’ names, identifiable kabuki productions and more nebulous stylistic considerations may also be used.  The subject of dating Kuniyoshi’s prints is dealt with extensively in the book ‘Kuniyoshi’ by Basil William Robinson (1961, Victoria and Albert Museum, London)

Year: 1831

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’

Year: 1832

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’

Year: 1833

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’

Year: 1834

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’

Year: 1836

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’

Year: 1838

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’

Year: 1839

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’

Year: 1840

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’ with Toshidama seal

Year: 1840

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’ in gourd-shaped cartouche

Year: 1841

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’

Year: 1842

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’

Year: 1843

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’

Year: 1845

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’ with Yoshi Kiri seal 

Year: 1845

Signature: ‘Chô-ô-rô Kuniyoshi gawith Yoshi Kiri seal 

Year: 1846

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’ with Yoshi Kiri seal 

Year: 1847

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’ with Yoshi Kiri seal 

Year: 1848

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’ with Yoshi Kiri seal 

Year: 1849

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’ with Yoshi Kiri seal 

Year: 1850

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’ with Yoshi Kiri seal 

Year: 1851

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’

Year: 1852

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’ in gourd-shaped cartouche with Yoshi Kiri seal 

Year: 1854

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga’

Year: 1855

Signature: ‘Ichiyûsai’ and  ‘Kuniyoshi ga’ in separate panels

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