Toyokuni samurai print 1700s?

Is this print from 1700s? Does the name read Toyokuni? Thanks

 

A straight on picture would make it easier to see what you have. Why do you think this might have been printed in the 1700s?

 

This is a wonderful resource for identifying Japanese woodcuts.

https://ukiyo-e.org/

Debora

 

Have you ever had it out of the frame with the mat lifted off?

 

No I haven't. I think I will do that. The paper looks very old judging from behind the glass and the maker's chatacters look similar to an early Toyokuni. Is there anything I need to look for when looking at the paper to judge its age

 

Wow thank you. Will search now

 

Japanese woodblock prints have been reproduced in many editions, using both original Japanese techniques and modern printing methods. Determining the age of a particular print can be quite complicated, comparing dimensions, paper quality, whether the blocks have been worn down or reproduced, and so forth. It would probably require an in-person examination by a specialist.

As you have probably found out on the website Debora posted, your image was created by Utagawa Kunisada.

Some more information about Kunisada -
https://www.artelino.com/articles/kunisada.asp

 

Just to eliminate a possible (albeit irritating) candidate (especially from the mid to late last century), try to remove it from the frame and see closely if there are halftone dot patterns. If so it is just a nice vintage reproduction using offset or other photomechanical methods. Also check if there are the obvious printer name or stamp at the edges.
For good guidance, I highly recommend you the book on antique prints by David Cycleback

The Basics of Authenticating Antique and Art Prints
You can type it on Google and can download the pdf free from his site. Check chapter 6, also the section on papers.

If you do not see the halftone dot patterns, then continue your research. But the fact that the print does not have a dot pattern does not necessarily make it an original print, as you still need to eliminate the possibility of the newer digital printing methods that are more difficult to establish (eg. Giclee). The nature of the paper may also give some ideas. If still in doubt have it seen by an expert.

Hope it helps

TTA

 

Paper was so fragile it tore in 2 spots by gently touching it. Paper was very stiff. I had no choice but to laminate it to preserve it. You can see the tears in the pic that I held it to the light. Paper has foxing on reverse. Anyone can judge the age of the paper? Original?

 

An exact print has the ink seep through reverse. Mine doesn't. Is mine done later? This pic is of the other one

 

Genuine Japanese paper ("washi") is not stiff, and does not become brittle with age. This is an indication that your print was some type of reproduction, on poor quality paper. I am not sure what you mean by "lamination", but, unfortunately, it is likely to have reduced any value the print may have had. You may take some solace in knowing it was not a valuable original print.