"Panoramic View of the Seaside from the Inn at Eguchi" (Ukiyo-e triptych)

Original ukiyo-e woodblock triptych print by Utagawa Kunisada, aka Toyokuni III [1786-1865]. Ink and color on paper, signed, with seals. Cartouche in otoshidama style. It reads as "Toyokuni ga". Publisher's seal is Moriya Jihei (Kinshindô) and appears directly below the cartouche. Carver's seal [hori] appears to the left of publisher's seal. Both the aratame and zodiacal date appear in a single round seal; thus, 1859 to 1872, corresponding to the fifth period of date seals. In the arrangement found most often from 1859 to 1863, the aratame character is at the bottom left, with the month on the top left, and the year on the right, although one also sees a variant where the year is in the middle. Thus the attribution of this triptych to circa 1860. Approx. 14.25 x 10 inches each sheet. Size as issued would have been approx. 15 x 10.75 inches. Each sheet separately tip mounted to backing paper along entire upper edge. NOT laid down. Fairly vibrant colors, with blues and pinks predominating. Most woodblock lines are crisp and unbroken. Light soiling and moderate sunning to all panels. Minor wrinkling at the upper corners. Bottom right corner of middle panel with a very small tear. Overall Very Good condition for their age. Scarce in any condition. Weight, a few ounces. "Panoramic View of the Seaside from the Inn at Eguchi" (also known as Viewing the Seashore at the Eguchi Inn). With thanks to Fuji Arts for the following: The triptych depicts Mitsuuji, the "Rustic Genji" (a popular 19th-century parody hero of the classical Tale of Genji), alongside several elegantly dressed beauties and courtesans. They are shown relaxing, drinking sake, and conversing on the expansive wooden terrace of a seaside inn located at Eguchi. Through the wide, open architecture of the inn, Kunisada masterfully frames a sprawling seascape background featuring waves, distant sailboats, and a soft horizon.…