40. * UTAGAWA KUNISADA (TOYOKUNI III, 1786-1865) Edo period (1615-1868), 1828 A rare and unusual yotsugiriban tate-e triptych woodblock print, ink and colours on paper, depicting a scene of mixed bathing, cavorting, and energetic lovemaking at a residential onsen (hot spring resort) in Hakone, titled Onsen kajiba (Hot Spring Inn), an inscription on the curtains indicating the 'long months' for 1828, signed Bukiyō eshi Izumo Matabei hitsu (Brushed by the clumsy painter Izumo Matabei) Each sheet approximately 18,5 x 12cm (3). This rare Kunisada signature is found on a small number of prints and illustrated books designed by the artist during the late 1820s, including another featuring a bath-house scene and dated to the Boar year (1827), see www.ne.jp/asahi/kato/yoshio/kobetuesi/kunisada.html