In the context of this artwork, explore the Date of the Fan Print.
The ROM dates the print to sometime between the mid-1820s and 1844; however, there are indications that the date can be narrowed to between 1830 and 1843. Synthetic blue pigment was not introduced to Japan until 1829, and it is unlikely that expensive natural indigo would be used on a medium as cheap as uchiwa-e. Kunisada's signature is flanked by two circular toshidama-in seals rather than appearing within an oblong, stylized toshidama cartouche. This suggests the print belongs to his early career.
indigo Kunisada uchiwa-e