{"title":"Actors \/ Kabuki 役者絵","description":"Portraits of popular actors in kabuki roles represent the earliest and most popular genre for ukiyo-e, going back to the early masters of the 17th century.","products":[{"product_id":"kus252","title":"Kunisada: Kakuju","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kakuju\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e From Contest of Roles : Mirror of “Tenarai Kagami” (hanakurabe tenarai kyô no uchi)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 11\/1852\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of ten portraits from Kabuki Sugawara’s Secrets of Calligraphy (Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami). Kakuju, an aunt of Shôjô, is the real mother of Princess Kariya, and Shôjô and his wife, Sonô no Mae are her adoptive parents. In “Tsue Sekkan” Princess Kariya was placed in the care of her older sister, Tatsuta in Yasui where her real mother lives. Shôjô is supposed to come to bid farewell to Kakuju before going into exile for Kyûshû.  Kariya tells Tatsuta that she wishes to ask Shôjô his forgiveness. Kakuju berates for her actions, chastising (sekkan) her with her stick (tsue), and hits Tatsuta when she interfers her. Shôjô’s voice from inside begs her to stop. When they open the doors to his room, they see only his wooden statue. Here in the picture Kakuju sits with her hands clapped and makes a very anxious expression. At the back is the mansion of Kakuju.  On the cartouche of the title kimono over a basket, referring Kakuju’s sekkan. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression, color and condition.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kogaya Katsugorô\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e censor’s seals: Watanabe \u0026amp; Mera, Date seal: 11th month of Rat year (1852)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyokuni ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":29584453566546,"sku":"KUS252","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/2988077508_31a0e5f3-e928-49d7-8ed7-9eea7c9e710c.jpg?v=1564327114"},{"product_id":"tok027","title":"Toyokuni I: The Fifth Month: Ichikawa Danjûrô in bird-patterned hakama trousers.","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Toyokuni I\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Fifth Month: Ichikawa Danjûrô in bird-patterned hakama trousers.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e From Twelve Month (jûnikagetsu no uchi)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e ca 1815\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIchikawa Danjûrô poses in his hakama trousers, designed with white birds. His upper kimono has the crest of stylized Japanese quince beneath a mountain. Above him hang a bundle of calamus (or lilies shôbu) and yomogi leaves, which were used as protection against evil spirits and illness. The text says: Ichikawa Danjûrô otsutome môshi sôrô, meaning “I, Ichikawa Danjûrô am playing the role.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe stares above, a yellow fan in his right hand. His left hand holds the edge of his hakama.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good impression, color and condition. Some trimming.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Azuma-ya Daisuke ?\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyokuni ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Toyokuni","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":29584457171026,"sku":"TOK027","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/1207043906_80b18513-58bb-486b-aacc-4d0d9cd58d3f.jpg?v=1564327228"},{"product_id":"kuy393","title":"Kuniyoshi: Honcho Tsunagoro and Lanterns","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Actor\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1847-50\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScene from the kabuki drama “kokoro no nazo toketa iroito”: depicted is Honchô Tsunagorô by Nakamura Shikan. Tsunagorô was a close attendant of the Akagi Family but he became a rônin (lordless warrior) and looked for the family treasure of the shikishi poem sheet. Shikan is in travelling attire and posed with his right shoulder open, showing his red robe with a character ‘kan’ on a white eagle pattern. Two lanterns behind Tsunagorô are illustrated: (right) A crying boy points at the Six Famous Poets. The text says “The Six Famous Poets scolded me”. (left) A rônin warrior pulls out the sword and a piece of paper in his mouth. The text says “ona ? no nukimi” - “the posture of pulling out of the sword.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression, color and condition.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ebiya Rinnosuke\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mera Tai’ichiro and Murata\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kuniyoshi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":29584535191634,"sku":"KUY393","price":875.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/1100665303_9cb781e5-1d91-495d-b60f-719e08d642c9.jpg?v=1564329042"},{"product_id":"kus336","title":"Kunisada: The actor Seki Sanjuro III glancing up","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Actor looking at actor\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e A Calendar of Hit Comparisons with Picture Play\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1852\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe actor Seki Sanjûrô III seems to look up at a character within an inset cartouche. A stand of bamboo grows behind him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression, color and condition.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hirano-ya\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyokuni ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":29584547479634,"sku":"KUS336","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/2574265598_85d67510-f537-4f1d-8b90-e956441c3b10.jpg?v=1564329233"},{"product_id":"kus285","title":"Kunisada: Rooftop exchange","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rooftop exchange\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1852\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe actor Sawamura Chôjurô V kneels and reaches out to Arashi Kichisaburô III for a mysterious bag. They are on a rooftop, so it must be a clandestine meeting. They are in the roles of Tabakoyo Kihachi and Kumokiri Nizaemon in the play Meijo jinsei roku. Beautifully printed, with mica sprinkled on the roof tiles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression, color and condition. Minor binding holes.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban diptych\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tsutaya Kichizô\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Censor’s seals: Hama \u0026amp; Kinugasa\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyokuni ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":29584555311186,"sku":"KUS285","price":400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/2602369387_c462f8d1-3c3f-4f78-bc6c-5f3298ec5575.jpg?v=1564329447"},{"product_id":"yts014","title":"Toshihide: Kabuki Actor Brandishing a Club","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toshihide\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Actor brandishing a Club\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mimasu awase sugata\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eActor brandishing a wooden club. The writing in the sky is beautifully done and this work is beautifully printed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Toshihide","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":29584565928018,"sku":"YTS014","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/2098674132_bf70d81e-1c82-4e73-bff9-f71dd1a78ea9.jpg?v=1564329627"},{"product_id":"drw463","title":"Kuniyoshi: Actor Drawing","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Actor Drawing\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e ca 1840s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA kabuki actor turns to face the audience. Kuniyoshi was a master of communicating volumes with an economy of line. We see the outlines of his formal garb, the hilts of his two swords and the formality of the wig he wears. It is possible that this is Ichikawa Ebizo V. The German writing at the bottom seems to indicate that this drawing was in the collection of the artist Ernst Bahn, Munster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paper losses; lightly mounted to backing sheet for safety.\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 23 x 28 cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kuniyoshi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":29584589389906,"sku":"DRW463","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/3322582152_27754215-f5e3-4517-a970-86e83efab22c.jpg?v=1564330162"},{"product_id":"kus365","title":"Kunisada: Ghost actor","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ghost actor\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scenes of Darkness and Suffering (Mitate yame zukushi)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1855\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kabuki actors Ichimura Uzaemon XII as Tomoenojô and Bandô Shûka I as Michinoku. The courtesan appears as a ghost with no feet, smiling down at the man who seems to have summoned her via a magical fire. The title of the play may be “The Suffering of the Turns of Fate” (Rin’e no yami).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression and color. Very good condition. Nibbles in left margin. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hayashiya Shôgorô\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e See MFA and FAMSF websites.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyokuni ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":29584596795474,"sku":"KUS365","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/2843458493_4612ce4b-c07f-423d-a1b1-af4d591a04d6.jpg?v=1564330321"},{"product_id":"kus374","title":"Kunisada: Actor with Tattoo","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Actor with Tattoo\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Untitled set of half-length actor portraits\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1863\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIchimura Kakitsu IV in the role of Misao no Takeshichi. He towels off his tattooed torso that features a dragon tattoo while looking right. He wears a pouch on a linked chain. Inset are two fish that are perhaps being compared to the subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression and color; very good condition. Backed.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e  36.2 x 24.8 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kagiya Shobei\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e carver: hori Ota Tashichi\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e nanajuhachi sai Toyokuni hitsu\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":29584607805522,"sku":"KUS374","price":875.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/1729219020_c4669cfb-84ce-4230-a954-bad10458deb0.jpg?v=1564330674"},{"product_id":"kuy495","title":"Kuniyoshi: Actor diptych","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Actor diptych\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1848\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe actors Nakamura Tsuruzo I as Ryoshi Ganzo, Seki Sanjuro III as Yokoyama Daizo and Nakamura Utaemon IV as Otaka Tonomo in the play Takagi oriemon budo jitsu roku. The three men are engaged in a struggle that involves a scroll with the image of Daruma. They are on a shore with a festival happening to the left in boats and a large castle fortification to the right. Otaka Tonomo has blood on his bare torso.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good impression, color and condition. Center fold.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sanoya Kihei\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kiri seal\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kuniyoshi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":29584632512594,"sku":"KUY495","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/3540655128_12f64c38-640e-4902-ae0a-5bf70392a658.jpg?v=1564331231"},{"product_id":"kus412","title":"Kunisada: Jiraiya in the Forest Triptych","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jiraiya in the Forest at Night\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1852\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOn the right sheet \u003ci\u003eIgarashi Norizen\u003c\/i\u003e (or \u003ci\u003eNoriyoshi\u003c\/i\u003e) standing by a \u003ci\u003ekago\u003c\/i\u003e carriage: judging from his costume with stylized \u003ci\u003eebi l\u003c\/i\u003eobster and \u003ci\u003emimasu\u003c\/i\u003e three squares crests he must be \u003ci\u003eIchikawa Ebizó\u003c\/i\u003e. On the left sheet is \u003ci\u003eJiraiya,\u003c\/i\u003e disguised as a monk. Jiraiya is known as the master of frog magic, but we see no sign of it here. On the center sheet \u003ci\u003eHamaogi Rokusaburó\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eHamaogi Naminoshin\u003c\/i\u003e, who is bleeding. He is tying a cloth around his middle to staunch the wound, and his swords are neatly placed on his left.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression, color and condition. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban triptych\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyokuni ga\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Daikoku-ya Heikichi","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":29584640344146,"sku":"KUS412","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/2495921543_561b5d04-b504-4fe6-b54b-69bcdadaff6e.jpg?v=1564331340"},{"product_id":"kunisada-kabuki-triptych-with-spiderweb-and-tattoo","title":"Kunisada: Kabuki triptych with Spiderweb and Tattoo","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bold Triptych of Half-Length Actors from the play Kurikaeshite Mimasu no Tamemono\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1862\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIchikawa Ichizo III (1833-1865) in the role of Nadauemon (center, top) and Ichikawa Kodanji IV (1812-1866) in the role of Tonnenbo, center bottom. At right with a Lion-dog robe is Nakamura Toranosuke in the role of Washizu Rokuro. At left is Onoe Kikujiro II (1814-1875) in the role of Nadeshiko Ogami.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eScene from the play Kurikaeshite Mimasu no Tamamono, staged at the Morita Theater in Edo in the 2nd month of 1862. Tonnenbo is covered in spider-webs and holds a hand-sized spider, which he seems to struggle with and which perhaps represents the Earth Spider or one of its progeny. He also features shoulder tattoos with portions of a dragon and clouds visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression and color. Very good condition. leftmost sheet has fold about 1 cm along right edge. Unbacked.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban Triptych\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seventy-eight Year Old Toyokuni ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":30305459437650,"sku":"KUS436","price":975.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KUS436.jpg?v=1569281627"},{"product_id":"ichikawa-yaozo-iii-as-oboshi","title":"Kunisada:  Ichikawa Yaozo III as Oboshi","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e  Ichikawa Yaozo III as Oboshi\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries:   \u003c\/strong\u003eThe Life of Oboshi the Loyal (Seichu Oboshi ichidai banashi)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1847-52 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oju Toyokuni ga\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e Oban 36.195 x 22.5 cm.  Very good impression, color and condition.  Tiny wormhole near right top and bottom\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNumber ten, The kabuki actor Ichikawa Yaozo III as Oboshi Yuranosuke.  He seems to be signaling his men with his lantern, as he raises it high from a tall vantage point.  His furry outer robe has been overprinted with a lead pigment which has oxidized.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32033514029138,"sku":"KUS449","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KUS449.jpg?v=1583550381"},{"product_id":"actors-as-lanterns","title":"Kuniyoshi:  Actors as Lanterns","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Actors as Lanterns\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Twelve Acts of the Lantern Chûshingura (Ju-ni dan shoku kanadehon c\u003cspan\u003ehûshingura)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e ca. 1852\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe actor Ichikawa Danjûrô VIII as Momonoi Wakasanosuke is portrayed as the largest figure. In the inset cartouche are two other actors whose faces and hair are comprised of Japanese paper lanterns. They pose in front of a screen that also bears designs of lanterns. This somehow relates to Act II of the Chushingura, or the saga of the 47 Ronin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good impression, color and condition. Binding holes along left edge.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mita-ya Kihachi\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Robinson series 218.2.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga with his paulownia seal\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kuniyoshi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32034875605074,"sku":"KUY471","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KUY471.jpg?v=1583568537"},{"product_id":"utagawa-school-painting-of-actor-with-tattoo","title":"Utagawa School Painting of Actor with Tattoo","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unknown\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Actor With Tattoo Dreaming of a Festival\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e ca. 1850s \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSmall but skillful watercolor painting of a tattooed man looking over his shoulder. He seems to be a kabuki actor portraying a laborer who plays a role during an important festival. In a cloudlike inset behind him we see the peak of Mount Fuji and what look like floats for a major festival, perhaps the Sanno Festival. His arms have flower tattoos. He holds a towel on his shoulders and seems to be considering his next move. Perhaps its is a memory he is calling to mind or he is planning something for the festival day. Often the brash young heroes in kabuki plays wore neck towels flamboyantly tied and displayed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eVery good condition. Laid down onto backing sheet.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003e22.5 x 11.2 cm plus margins\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unsigned","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32820657487954,"sku":"DRW483","price":750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/DRW483.jpg?v=1599090542"},{"product_id":"kunichika-kabuki-actor-as-fireman","title":"Kunichika: Kabuki Actor as Fireman","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyohara Kunichika\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003eKawarazaki Gojuro I as a Lead Firefighter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries: \u003c\/strong\u003eMitate sanjurokku (Thirty-six (Kabuki) Poems Compared)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1865\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe actor Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as a fireman. He wears the fireman’s robes, here decorated with a dragon, and in his left hand holds a red lantern with the symbol of his brigade aloft. In his right hand he seems to hold a shakujo, a staff used by itinerant Buddhist monks. The head of the dragon may be seen on the actor’s left sleeve, and the claws clutching the jewel may be seen on his right sleeve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression and color. Very good condition. Backed.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban 36.1 x 24.6 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan mce-data-marked=\"1\"\u003eMasudaya Ginjiro\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kunichika ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Toyohara Kunichika","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39300407132242,"sku":"KCA087","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KCA087.jpg?v=1616479197"},{"product_id":"kunichika-ichikawa-danjuro-meditating-before-a-painting-of-fudo-myo-o","title":"Kunichika: Ichikawa Danjuro Meditating Before a Painting of Fudo Myo–o","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyohara Kunichika\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ichikawa Danjuro Meditating Before a Painting of Fudo Myo–o\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1889\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX (1839-1903) meditating before an image of Fudo Myo-o, perhaps gaining inspiration for his stage role as Mongaku. Danjuro IX was born in Edo around 1840 as the fifth son of Ichikawa Danjuro VII, and eventually became one of the most famous actors in Japan, one of three stars who dominated the Kabuki world during the Meiji era.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eHere we see Danjuro seated in repose, fan in hand and wearing a black jacket that bears his famous crest. To the right is a table screen with a scene of a waterfall, placed behind a painting of the Buddhist guardian deity Fudo Myo-o, with a peony flower in a vase placed as an offering. The peony flower is closely associated with the Ikchikawa Danjuro family. The scene of the waterfall would immediately bring to mind Danjuro’s role as Mongaku in the play “The Austerities of Mongaku”, where in the 1880s he played both the penitent priest Mongaku (who famously spends weeks beneath Nachi waterfall as penance) and the deity Fudo Myo-o, who eventually rescues him. We see brushes, an inkstone, a feather, and other brush-painting supplies laid out on a vermilion table top. The painting is signed, but unread. Perhaps the artist is a friend of Danjuro and has just departed the scene. There are several lines of poetry in the center and left sheet; some or all of it may have been composed by Danjuro. The Danjuro family was known to venerate the deity Fudo, so this work has many associations underlying the peaceful tableau.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression and color. Very good condition. The narrow, brown inner border on the screen contains an acidic metallic pigment that was used during print production to produce a metallic effect. In these areas the paper needs reinforcement. Untrimmed and unbacked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban triptych (38 x 76cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature: \u003c\/strong\u003eOju (by request) Toyohara Kunichika hitsu\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Toyohara Kunichika","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39329012547666,"sku":"KCA088","price":850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KCA088copy.jpg?v=1618183710"},{"product_id":"kunichika-nakamur-shikan-iv-and-haunted-corn-stalks","title":"Kunichika: Nakamura Shikan IV and Haunted Corn Stalks","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyohara Kunichika\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nakamura Shikan IV and Haunted Corn Stalks\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flowers of the East: Caricature by Kunichika (Azuma no hana : Kunichika manga)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1872\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe kabuki actor Nakamura Shikan IV as the evil Tamiya Iemon. Unusual scene from the classic Tokaido Yotsuya Ghost Story. Iemon, out of greed and lust for another, causes the death of his wife Oiwa and nails her body and the body of another man that he killed to either side of a wooden board, and then throws the board in the river. This must be the scene where Iemon goes eel fishing later in the story and pulls ashore the board with the bodies of the two people he has murdered. He is so haunted by the ghosts of his two victims that he eventually goes mad and never finds a moment’s peace. I would guess that the two ears of corn with haunted faces are the ghostly visages of his two victims, who torment him wherever he goes. Tortured by his own guilt and paranoia, he must see the ghosts everywhere. Iemon is here eying the strange ears of corn with suspicion, hand on his sword hilt. We see the long hairs of the dead Oiwa and the edge of the board in the lower left corner. The “flowers” of Tokyo in the title refer to the eminent actors of the day. Deluxe, first impression with burnishing on the black details, blindprinting on the green cord and exceptional printing details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression and color; very good condition. With backing and nibble in lower left corner. Two minute worm holes near top.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (35.4 x 24 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yorozu-ya Magobei\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyohara Kunichika hitsu (with toshidama seal)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e See MFA, Waseda online.","brand":"Toyohara Kunichika","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39351431200850,"sku":"KCA093","price":875.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KCA093.jpg?v=1618811935"},{"product_id":"kunisada-extortion-scene-from-the-kabuki-play-izayoi-seishin","title":"Kunisada: Extortion Scene from the Kabuki Play Izayoi Seishin","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eExtortion Scene from the Kabuki Play Izayoi Seishin\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1859\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eScene from the third act of the kabuki play known as “Izayoi Seishin.” At left, standing outside the entrance is the shifty-looking\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003echaracter Seikichi (aka Seishin), who has sent in his wife Osayo to visit the wife of Shobei, Ofuji, to extort money. Oni-azami Seikichi, played by Ichikawa Kodanji IV, looks furtively inside the house. He is wearing an obviously tattered kimono with holes (which indicates his poverty) and a travelling hat. Next to him we see a large barrel with the large character mizu (water) for use in case of fire. In the middle sheet we see Seikichi´s wife Osayo (”Seikichi nyóbo O-sayo”) played by Iwai Kumejiro. Osayo has taken off her hat and asks Ofuji for some money. Once a proud courtesan, here she wears clothing that is also obviously ripped and hair that is unkempt. On the right sheet we see of Ofuji (Shobei nyobo O-fuji) reaching her right hand into her obi sash, where money generally is tucked away. She has her long smoking pipe in her left hand. In the background the sliding doors of the cupboard of chigaidana shelves feature a landscape which bears the signature of “Kunihisa-hitsu.“\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis triptych depicts the scene from the third act “The House of Hakuren at Yukinoshita (Yukinoshita Hakuren hon-taku)“ from the Kabuki drama, “Kosode Soga agami no ironui“, which was written by Kawatake Mokuami for the actor Ichikawa Kodanji VIII.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThis drama is commonly known as “Izayoi Seishin,“after the names of the two main characters:\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ethe courtesan Izayoi (later O-sayo)\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eand Seishin. The plot involves an illicit love affair and a failed love suicide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression, color and condition. Unbacked and untrimmed.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban triptych (37 x 75 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyokuni ga\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39499178147922,"sku":"KUS476","price":475.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KUS476copy.jpg?v=1627017214"},{"product_id":"tsuruya-kokei-onoe-bako-as-the-demon-ibaraki","title":"Tsuruya Kokei: Onoe Baiko as the Demon Ibaraki","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tsuruya Kokei (Born 1946)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Onoe Baiko as Demon Ibaraki\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e July, 1993\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eDramatic closeup of Onoe Baiko as the Demoness Ibaraki. He wears the white wig and makeup of this famous kabuki character. Looking closely we see that s\/he is clutching her severed arm;\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e(compare to the Chikanobu triptych that we have of the same scene.) As noted on the British Museum website, Tsuruya Kokei is one of postwar Japan’s leading designers of woodblock theater prints. Kokei’s father was the print artist Nakazawa Hiromitsu. Kokei’s woodblock prints are self-carved and self-printed on thin gampi paper and are often topped with a thick layer of mica to the finished print, as here. From the series Bust Portraits Series IX, this is work number 143. Numbered 46\/90, from a limited edition. Includes the Kokei-kai certificate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression, color and condition.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e See Cornell University, British Museum, Smith, Lawrence, 'Modern Japanese Prints 1912-1989: Woodblocks and Stencils', BMP, London, 1994, p. 37 and nos 139-40.\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eKabuki-za (Theatre), Tokyo (ed.), 'Tsuruya Kokei: Kabuki actor prints', Shochiku Co., Tokyo, 1988.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 38.2 x 24.8 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Tsuruya Kokei","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39630821621842,"sku":"KOK010S","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KOK010S.jpg?v=1634017744"},{"product_id":"kunichika-actor-with-dragon-tattoo-and-knife-in-his-teeth","title":"Kunichika: Actor with Dragon Tattoo and Knife in his Teeth","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Tattooed Actor Ichimura Uzaemon XIII with Large Knife\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1864\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eTattooed actor Ichimura Uzaemon XIII holds a large knife in his teeth as he removes his garment with both hands. He may be in the role of Tekomae Kakitsu. His tattoo features a dragon amidst clouds whose claw clutches the sacred jewel. Regarding precipitation, it seems that it is both raining and snowing, employing two different printing techniques. The actor looks to his left, undoubtedly plotting something quite extreme. Ichimura Uzaemon XIII was the name held by Onoe Kikugoro V from 1851 to the spring of 1863. This dealer could not find another example of this design online.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression and color: very good condition. Unbacked, but some backing remnants verso along left edge and some minor wormage on border.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (36.6 x 25 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kunichika ga (with toshidama seal)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Toyohara Kunichika","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39676360884306,"sku":"KCA099","price":1350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KCA099.jpg?v=1636415188"},{"product_id":"kunichika-tattooed-fireman-against-smoke-filled-sky-triptych","title":"Kunichika: Triptych of Tattooed Fireman Against Smoke-filled Sky","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flowers of Edo in Full Bloom\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1864\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThree kabuki actors are posed in front of a dark, smoke-filled sky with silhouettes of firefighters seen standing on roofs in the distance as they battle a blaze. In the foreground against this dramatic setting we see at right the actor Kawarazaki Gonjurô as a fireman. He wears the distinctive padded jacket of a firefighter, this one decorated with a leaping carp against waves. He holds a lantern in one hand and joins the other two actors in looking to the right. In the middle is Ichimura Uzaemon, whose tattoo of a dragon holding a jewel is visible on his arms. He holds aloft a lantern in one hand and the hooklike fireman’s tool in his right. To the left is Sawamura Tanosuke III in a female role. She holds her headscarf with the corner of her mouth\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eand lifts her robe in a very feminine manner. Tanosuki III was a leading onnagata, apparently so influential that s\/he set new styles in women’s fashions. He tragically contacted gangrene and had a leg amputated in 1865, yet he continued to perform on stage for a number of years after this. The Portland Art Museum has a fascinating photograph-imitating portrait of the actor from 1870 where the actor is shown playing a disabled character.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe full title of this triptych is “Flowers of Edo in Full Bloom”, which has something of a double meaning, as both kabuki actors (in a positive way) and the conflagrations that often burned parts of the city (in an ironic way) were known as “flowers of Edo.” According to Sarah Thompson from the MFA,  this is an imaginary scene, concocted to show the three popular actors together. In the Edo Period it was firemen who were most likely to bear extensive tattoos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression, color and condition. Untrimmed and unbacked. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eMinor hinging remnants, verso.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban triptych (37 x 76 cm, approx.)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Manzen\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kunichika ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Toyohara Kunichika","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39700700299346,"sku":"KCA060S","price":2800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KCA060S.jpg?v=1638339443"},{"product_id":"kunisada-actors-along-the-oi-river-one-with-tattoo","title":"Kunisada:  Actors Along the Oi River, One with Tattoo","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) 1786-1864\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Triptych of Kabuki Actors along the Oi River, one Tattooed\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1861\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFive actors, dressed as travelers in matching yukata, stop on their journey for a rest along the Oi River. The actor Ichimura Uzaemon XIII (also known as Onoe Kikugoro V), who is shown toweling off, has tattoos of flowers on his upper arms. Standing and gesturing forward is Nakamura Shikan (?), who seems to want to hurry the group along. They are all dressed as otokodate, chivalrous heroes to the townsfolk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\u003cb class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003eExcellent impression and color. Very good condition. Backed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyokuni ga\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oban triptych (36.2 x 74.4 cm, approx.)","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39711288950866,"sku":"KUS451","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KUS451.jpg?v=1639111149"},{"product_id":"kunisada-ichikawa-danjuro-vii-with-elaborate-robe-featuring-benkei","title":"Kunisada: Ichikawa Danjuro VII with Elaborate Robe Featuring Benkei","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ichikawa Danjuro VII with Elaborate Robe featuring Neck-Wrestling Benkei\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries: \u003c\/strong\u003eEiyu\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003emitate junin otoko (Prosperous Actors of Kabuki as Ten Dandy Men)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ca. 1848\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBenkei Dazaemon looks left as he holds his towel and allows the viewer to admire his kimono. It seems to be Sawamura Sojuro V playing this role. We see Benkei’s famous seven weapons forming the edge of the title cartouche. The upper part of his kimono is decorated with\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ea rushing mountain stream and clouds. The bottom half of the kimono has a scene of the princess playing a game of kubi-hiki (neck-wrestling) with the young Benkei, oni waka, (ogre child) in front of a huge bell of the Nara Todaiji Temple, with which Benkei is strongly associated. The attendant to the princess with a parasol seems to be rather embarrassed by this situation.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRegarding this series of ten actor portraits, the first word, eiyu, is a play on words, as it is normally written as 英雄, meaning “ hero“ (of a war). However here\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eeiyu\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eis written as 栄優, referring to “the most popular actors. The second word, mitate, means “comparison” and junin otoko means “ten men”. In\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eKabuki “Date-otoko” means “ninkyo,“ men of chivarlous spirit, namely those with the edokko (Edoite) temperament. They are very popular figures of Kabuki dramas.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe actors in this set wear similar styles of kimono and the attributes of dandy men of Edo. These include a sword, a shakuhachi flute, a tobacco pouch, and a towel.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eOn each fantastic kimono design we see\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ethe related scene of the actors and their roles in Kabuki drama. The name of the series is followed by the subtitles with the names of their famous kabuki roles. Although Kunisada omits the names of the actors, he puts many visual hints related to the stories and the actors , especially the scenes on their kimono layers and the symbols on the obi sash belts and towels.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eTherefore the people of Edo at that time knew exactly who they were. Each title cartouche is framed with the specific attributes of the plays. The names of the actors did not appear on the series due to the fact that the censorship under the Tenpo Reforms restricted the publication of Kabuki actors’ portraits. In 1845 the restrictions officially ended; however the publishers of Ukiyo-e were cautious and it is said that they continued to stick to the restrictions. The artists had to be especially creative during this time when it came to actor prints.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e(With thanks to Michiko Sato-Grube for her research on this artwork.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression and color. Very good condition. Binding holes at right and mild pigment transfer on face. Unbacked and untrimmed.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (35.6 x 24.5 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sugi-U\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature: \u003c\/strong\u003eUpon the request of the publisher\u003ci\u003e (hangimoto no óju\u003c\/i\u003e )\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eKóchóró Toyokuni ga (with Toshidama seal in red)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40014340554834,"sku":"KUC014Sa","price":675.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KUC014Sa.jpg?v=1655942731"},{"product_id":"kunisada-asahina-tobei-with-robe-with-fantastic-beings","title":"Kunisada: Asahina Tobei with Robe with Fantastic Beings","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Actor in role of Asahina with Robe with Supernatural Beings\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries: \u003c\/strong\u003eEiyu\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003emitate junin otoko (Prosperous Actors of Kabuki as Ten Dandy Men)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ca. 1848\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHere we see an actor who is associated with the role of Asahina Tobei. Asahina’s nickname, \u003ci\u003etsuruno-maru oyabun\u003c\/i\u003e, means a boss with the crest of a crane in a circle, which here seems to appear as crests on his \u003ci\u003eobi\u003c\/i\u003e sash belt as well as the decoration of the title. Decorating his robe are different fantastic characters from a Gullivers Travels-type adventure story. We see on his lower kimono both \u003ci\u003eashinag\u003c\/i\u003ea, a man with long legs holding a drum in his hand,\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eand a \u003ci\u003etenaga\u003c\/i\u003e, a man with long arms, who balances a monkey on his hand. We also see a black figure holding a red coral and a magical woman with the wings of a bird on his upper robe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRegarding this series of ten actor portraits, the first word, eiyu, is a play on words, as it is normally written as 英雄, meaning “ hero“ (of a war). However here\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eeiyu\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eis written as 栄優, referring to “the most popular actors. The second word, mitate, means “comparison” and junin otoko means “ten men”. In\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eKabuki “Date-otoko” means “ninkyo,“ men of chivarlous spirit, namely those with the edokko (Edoite) temperament. They are very popular figures of Kabuki dramas.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe actors in this set wear similar styles of kimono and the attributes of dandy men of Edo. These include a sword, a shakuhachi flute, a tobacco pouch, and a towel.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eOn each fantastic kimono design we see\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ethe related scene of the actors and their roles in Kabuki drama. The name of the series is followed by the subtitles with the names of their famous kabuki roles. Although Kunisada omits the names of the actors, he puts many visual hints related to the stories and the actors , especially the scenes on their kimono layers and the symbols on the obi sash belts and towels.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eTherefore the people of Edo at that time knew exactly who they were. Each title cartouche is framed with the specific attributes of the plays. The names of the actors did not appear on the series due to the fact that the censorship under the Tenpo Reforms restricted the publication of Kabuki actors’ portraits. In 1845 the restrictions officially ended; however the publishers of Ukiyo-e were cautious and it is said that they continued to stick to the restrictions. The artists had to be especially creative during this time when it came to actor prints.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e(With thanks to Michiko Sato-Grube for her research on this artwork.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression and color. Very good condition. Binding holes at left. Unbacked and untrimmed.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (35.6 x 24.5 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sugi-U\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature: \u003c\/strong\u003eUpon the request of the publisher\u003ci\u003e (hangimoto no óju\u003c\/i\u003e )\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eKóchóró Toyokuni ga (with Toshidama seal in red)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40014841282642,"sku":"KUC014Sb","price":750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KUC014Sb.jpg?v=1655929851"},{"product_id":"kunisada-iwai-kumesaburo-as-shirai-gonpachi-in-festive-kimono","title":"Kunisada: Iwai Kumesaburo as Shirai Gonpachi in Festive Kimono","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: I\u003c\/strong\u003ewai Kumesaburo as Shirai Gonpachi in Festive Kimono\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries: \u003c\/strong\u003eEiyu\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003emitate junin otoko (Prosperous Actors of Kabuki as Ten Dandy Men)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ca. 1848\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePortrait of Iwai Kumesaburo (Hanshiro VIII), the kabuki actor who played Shirai Gonpachi in “\u003ci\u003eUkiyo-zuka hiyoku-no-inazuma\u003c\/i\u003e“, first performed in March 1823 at the Edo Ichimura-za. He played the two roles of Shirai Gonpachi and Otoki, wife of Banzui Chobei.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e      \u003c\/span\u003eThe upper part of his kimono shows a set of \u003ci\u003ehina-ningyo\u003c\/i\u003e dolls of a prince and an ordinary woman; these symbolize the lovers Gonpachi and Komurasaki of the Tea House Miura-ya. The bottom portion features chrysanthemums, which symbolize a happy occasion such as a wedding.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eOdamaki \u003c\/i\u003erolls of thread symbolize longevity and long-lived happiness, referring to the lovers Gonpachi and Komurasaki in the drama. Across his shoulders are also draped festive ornaments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRegarding this series of ten actor portraits, the first word, eiyu, is a play on words, as it is normally written as 英雄, meaning “ hero“ (of a war). However here\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eeiyu\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eis written as 栄優, referring to “the most popular actors. The second word, mitate, means “comparison” and junin otoko means “ten men”. In\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eKabuki “Date-otoko” means “ninkyo,“ men of chivalrous spirit, namely those with the edokko (Edoite) temperament. They are very popular figures of Kabuki dramas.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe actors in this set wear similar styles of kimono and the attributes of dandy men of Edo. These include a sword, a shakuhachi flute, a tobacco pouch, and a towel.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eOn each fantastic kimono design we see\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ethe related scene of the actors and their roles in Kabuki drama. The name of the series is followed by the subtitles with the names of their famous kabuki roles. Although Kunisada omits the names of the actors, he puts many visual hints related to the stories and the actors , especially the scenes on their kimono layers and the symbols on the obi sash belts and towels.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eTherefore the people of Edo at that time knew exactly who they were. Each title cartouche is framed with the specific attributes of the plays. The names of the actors did not appear on the series due to the fact that the censorship under the Tenpo Reforms restricted the publication of Kabuki actors’ portraits. In 1845 the restrictions officially ended; however the publishers of Ukiyo-e were cautious and it is said that they continued to stick to the restrictions. The artists had to be especially creative during this time when it came to actor prints.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e(With thanks to Michiko Sato-Grube for her research on this artwork.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression and color. Very good condition. Binding holes at right. Unbacked and untrimmed.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (35.6 x 24.5 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sugi-U\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature: \u003c\/strong\u003eUpon the request of the publisher\u003ci\u003e (hangimoto no oju\u003c\/i\u003e )\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  Kochoro\u003c\/span\u003e Toyokuni ga (with Toshidama seal in red)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40015111389266,"sku":"KUC014Sf","price":675.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KUC014Sf.jpg?v=1655944260"},{"product_id":"kunisada-kabuki-actor-with-robe-featuring-a-heian-nobleman","title":"Kunisada: Kabuki Actor with Robe Featuring a Heian Nobleman","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eActor with Robe featuring a Nobleman and Plovers\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries: \u003c\/strong\u003eEiyu\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003emitate junin otoko (Prosperous Actors of Kabuki as Ten Dandy Men)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ca. 1848\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHere we see an unnamed kabuki actor with a robe that features a Heian period nobleman watching as plovers fly overhead. The upper part of his kimono has a landscape with the \u003ci\u003etorii\u003c\/i\u003e gate of Hikawa Jinja (shrine) and hills beneath clusters of cherry blossoms. The bottom portion shows a scene of the Heian Period: in a small boat we see a nobleman with two attendants, one holding his sword. The actor’s under-kimono features stylized ducks. The viewers of the time would have known the story from this quick glimpse of the main character.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegarding this series of ten actor portraits, the first word, eiyu, is a play on words, as it is normally written as 英雄, meaning “ hero“ (of a war). However here  eiyu  is written as 栄優, referring to “the most popular actors. The second word, mitate, means “comparison” and junin otoko means “ten men”. In  Kabuki “Date-otoko” means “ninkyo,“ men of chivalrous spirit, namely those with the edokko (Edoite) temperament. They are very popular figures of Kabuki dramas. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe actors in this set wear similar styles of kimono and the attributes of dandy men of Edo. These include a sword, a shakuhachi flute, a tobacco pouch, and a towel.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eOn each fantastic kimono design we see\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ethe related scene of the actors and their roles in Kabuki drama. The name of the series is followed by the subtitles with the names of their famous kabuki roles. Although Kunisada omits the names of the actors, he puts many visual hints related to the stories and the actors , especially the scenes on their kimono layers and the symbols on the obi sash belts and towels.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eTherefore the people of Edo at that time knew exactly who they were. Each title cartouche is framed with the specific attributes of the plays. The names of the actors did not appear on the series due to the fact that the censorship under the Tenpo Reforms restricted the publication of Kabuki actors’ portraits. In 1845 the restrictions officially ended; however the publishers of Ukiyo-e were cautious and it is said that they continued to stick to the restrictions. The artists had to be especially creative during this time when it came to actor prints.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e(With thanks to Michiko Sato-Grube for her research on this artwork.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression and color. Very good condition. Binding holes at right. Unbacked and untrimmed.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (35.6 x 24.5 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sugi-U\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature: \u003c\/strong\u003eUpon the request of the publisher\u003ci\u003e (hangimoto no oju\u003c\/i\u003e )\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  Kochoro\u003c\/span\u003e Toyokuni ga (with Toshidama seal in red)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40015118368850,"sku":"KUC014Si","price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KUC014Si.jpg?v=1655945848"},{"product_id":"kunisada-the-bloodied-ghost-of-koheiji","title":"Kunisada: The Bloodied Ghost of Koheiji Triptych","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Ghost of Koheiji from the play Kaidan Kohada Koheiji \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1853, 9th month\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFrom the play “Kaidan Kohada Koheiji”, we see the ghost of Koheiji, covered in blood and holding a small child as he speaks to Bando Hikosaburo IV (as Adachi Sakuro) 安達左九郎. Koheiji was murdered in a swamp by his wife’s lover, Adachi, and here he has returned as a yurei to torment him. He emanates from a signboard at far right, his ghost appearing from the top of the print again at left. A lamp that was being carried has been dropped in surprise. The actor Koheiji was renowned for his skill at portraying ghosts, and the actor himself was said to have been murdered and then returned as a ghost to haunt his killer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression, color and condition. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban triptych (37.2 x 76.5 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yamamotoya Hiekichi (Eikyudo)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLiterature: \u003c\/strong\u003eSee the Waseda University Museum archives online.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyokuni ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40169348268114,"sku":"KUS488","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KUS488.jpg?v=1664560445"},{"product_id":"kunisada-the-ghost-of-koheiji-umbrella-triptych","title":"Kunisada: The Ghost of Koheiji Umbrella Triptych","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe Ghost of Koheiji Umbrella triptych\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1859\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIwai Kumesaburo II as Koheiji’s Wife Otsuka, middle, who kneels and brandishes her umbrella towards a ghostly red flame, which floats in front of\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eSeki Sanjuro II as Adachi Sakuro, left. In the middle is Ichikawa Kodanji IV as the Ghost of Koheiji, rising in front of a pillar and looking hauntingly towards the two. Based somewhat on true-ish events from about 1700, the sad story of Koheiji was made into a kabuki play in 1803. Koheiji was married to Otsuka, but she began an affair with Adachi Sakuro, a taiko player. The two plotted to murder Koheiji so that they could be together. After the murder, Koheiji haunts the couple until both of them succumb to madness and their own terrible demise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression and color. Very good condition. With faint discoloration on parts of the ghost.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban triptych (36 x 74.4 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyokuni ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40169460891730,"sku":"KUS489","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KUS489copy.jpg?v=1664560263"},{"product_id":"katsukawa-shunei-sumo-wrestlers-raiden-and-o-omisaki-雷電-大岬","title":"Katsukawa Shunei: Sumo Wrestlers Raiden and O-omisaki 雷電　大岬","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Katsukawa Shun'ei (ca. 1782-1819)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eSumo Wrestlers Raiden and O-omisaki 雷電　大岬\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e ca. 1790s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe sumo wrestlers Raiden of West side and O-omisaki of East side on a dohyo-o sumo ring. Raiden tries to turn the upper part of his opponent’s body as they wrestle. They wear binzuke hair styles and mawashi decorated loincloths. At the back a striped decorative curtain hangs down from the roof over the ring. \u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRaiden (meaning thunderbolt) Taneemon (1767-1825) (who faces us) was 197 cm\/6 ft 5 inches tall and weighed 169 kg\/373 lbs. In March 1795 he was promoted to the rank of O-ozeki of the West after Tanikaze’s death and kept this rank for 17 years. Between November 1793 and April of 1800 he finished with the best record in every tournament that he entered. With this result, he finished ahead of Tanikaze and Onogawa. Although the highest rank, Yokozuna, came to exist in 1791 when Shogun Tokugawa Ienari attended the tournament between Tanikaze II Kajinosuke and Onogawa Kisaburoo, it took 38 years to come to be permitted, despite sumo wrestlers like Raiden who were worthy of the rank. Therefore O-ozeki was the highest rank that was bestowed at that time.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eO-omisaki Otomon (-1814) in front in the picture became the O-ozeki of the East in 1801.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAlthough Katsukawa School artists are perhaps best known for their actor prints, sumo designs such as this one demonstrate their strength in this genre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 34.5 x 23.1 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yamaguchi Tobei\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shunei ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shun'ei","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40267042586706,"sku":"SUN012","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/SUN012.jpg?v=1670535174"},{"product_id":"kunisada-suketakaya-takasuke-ii-as-denbei-三代目助高屋高助-紀友則-傳兵衛","title":"Kunisada: Suketakaya Takasuke II as Denbei 三代目助高屋高助 紀友則　傳兵衛","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eSuketakaya Takasuke II as Denbei 三代目助高屋高助 紀友則　傳兵衛\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Comparisons for Thirty-six Selected Poems 見立三十六歌撰之内(Mitate sanjûrokkasen no uchi)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1852\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe actor Suketakaya Takasuke as Denbei. He is striking a pose, and his eyes point in conflicting directions, reflecting the inner turmoil of the character. The story of the tragic lovers Oshun and Denbei and their love suicide was a very popular subject for kabuki plays, including the play Chikagoro Kawara no Takehiki. Behind him, above a cloud-delineated scene of the shore, a flock of plovers fly through the air. The poem in the pink cartouche is by Ki no Tomonori. This series is appreciated for the virtuosity of its printing and for the drama of the portraits. These famous kabuki roles are compared with the famous 36 poets from medieval history. Featuring deluxe mica in the sky and on the shore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression and color. Very good condition; minor trimming to left.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (36.8 x 24.9 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Iseya Kanekichi\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e See MFA for another example (this example is superior in its condition).\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyokuni ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40272483713106,"sku":"KUS496","price":385.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KUS496.jpg?v=1670995963"},{"product_id":"kunisada-ii-drama-behind-a-mosquito-net","title":"Kunisada II: Drama Behind a Mosquito Net","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada II (1823-1880)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eMirror of Good and Bad Reputation of Young Women (musume hyooban zen-aku kagami\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e処女評判善悪鏡\u003c\/span\u003e)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1865\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eHere we see a Ohatsu at left, who holds a summer fan, looking askance at a couple who are seen behind a mosquito net, which was usually hung around a bedchamber. The maid Takegawa at right is wearing rather disheveled bedclothes, and looks suggestively towards the Tokubei, the male character in the center. The title of this work is the title of the kabuki play: “\u003c\/span\u003eMirror of Good and Bad Reputations of Young Women (Musume hyooban zen-aku kagami) \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e処女評判善悪鏡”\u003c\/span\u003e. It played at the Ichimura-za theater in Edo in 1865 and was written by Kawatake Mokuami. This piece is the female version of “Gang of Five” (kumo-kiri gonin-otoko) namely,\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ethe five female “gangs” Kumokiri Oroku, Subashiri Okuma, Kinezumi Okichi, Osaraba Oden, and Yamaneko Osan. The actors’ names are written in red, their roles in white tanzaku cartouche. The white tanzaku of Maid Takegawa explaines that she is actually “Subashiri Okuma”.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe actors and their roles are as follows: Bando-o Hikosaburo-o 坂東彦三郎 as Shino-ya Tokubei 真野屋徳兵衛 (center), Ichimura Kakitsu市村家橘 as maid Takegawa奥女中竹川(right), and Bando-o Mitsugoro-o 坂東三津五郎as Ohatsu, mistress of Tokubei 徳兵衛妾おはつ(left). Summer rain falls on the slice of scenery glimpsed at left.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression and color. Very good condition. Slight trimming to sides of sheets.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban triptych (36.3 x 72.3 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ise-ya Kanekichi\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kunisada hitsu\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada II","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40294562529362,"sku":"KII040","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KII040copy2.jpg?v=1673330827"},{"product_id":"kunisada-ichimura-uzaemon-xiii-and-frog-magic","title":"Kunisada: Ichimura Uzaemon XIII and Frog Magic","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eIchimura Uzaemon XIII and Frog Magic\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1860\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyokuni manga zue (Illustrations by Toyokuni)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIchimura Uzaemon XIII in the role of Tenjiku Tokubei. Tokubei was a famous explorer whose exploits were made into a number of kabuki plays. In most plays he learned magical frog powers from Sokan. Here he employs his frog magic to summon a giant frog, seen in the background, whose toothed mouth emits a poisonous-looking red cloud of vapor. Tokubei wears the jaunty scarf of the otokodate character, as well as oversized formal robes that fill the page. His hair is fluffy on top, showing that he does not adhere to societal conventions such as shaving his pate. This series is known for its fantastic printing quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression and color. Very good condition. With backing and tiny wormage upper left.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (35 x 24.1 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e ni konomi Toyokuni ga (by special request Toyokuni)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eUoya Eikichi\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40308295565394,"sku":"KUS500","price":1100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/KUS500.jpg?v=1674458270"},{"product_id":"yoshitoshi-ichikawa-kodanji-in-the-rain","title":"Yoshitoshi: Ichikawa Kodanji in the Rain With Sword in his Teeth","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ichikawa Kodanji in the Rain as Torii Matasuke\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1860\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIchikawa Kodanji IV as Torii Matasuke. The waves of his hair contrast with the boldly depicted sheets of rain that form a curtain around his dramatic countenance. The curtain parts to reveal the actor clenching a sword between his teeth, his eyes fixed in the mie dramatic pose. From the play Kagamiyama gonichi no Iwafuji. Matasuke plays a faithful servant who is about to commit a terrible crime on the orders of his master, Lord Toga. A fantastic and rare early design, created when Yoshitoshi was only about 20 years old. With luxurious mica added to the sword blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression; very good color and condition. Small nibbles upper right and minor trimming at left.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban 36 x 24.7 cm\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kadokin\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLiterature: \u003c\/strong\u003eKeyes 17. See Beauty \u0026amp; Violence, number 2, page 32.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tsukioka Yoshitoshi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40309649670226,"sku":"YOT843","price":2400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/YOT843.jpg?v=1674863350"},{"product_id":"toyokuni-ii-onoe-kikugoro-o-尾上菊五郎-with-folding-fan","title":"Toyokuni II: Onoe Kikugoro-o 尾上菊五郎 With Folding Fan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Toyokuni II (1777-1835)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eOnoe Kikugoro-o 尾上菊五郎 With Fan and printed brocade border\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e ca 1828-1829\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOkubi-e (bust portrait) of the actor Onoe Kikugoro-o III, depicted holding a fan with an image of a blossoming plum branch. His coat also bears a pattern of plum blossoms, also referring to his names--the name Bai-ko-o or his poet name Bai-ju, carry the character “Bai,” meaning plum.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eOn his coat we see a large crest with chrysanthemums and leaves of oak--these symbols relate to\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ehis name Kikugoro-o, “Kiku” meaning chrysanthemum and oak leaves for the Otowa-ya Clan, to which the Onoe Family belongs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis portrait of the Kabuki actor Onoe Kikugoro-o III 三代目尾上菊五郎(1784-1849) of the Otowa-ya 音羽屋 is accompanied by a poem by Jippensha Ikku十返舎一九 (1765-1831). Onoe Kikuguro-o III is one of the four famous Kabuki actors who were credited with manifesting the golden age of Kabuki during the Bunka-Bunsei Period (1804-30).\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eKikugoro-o first received the name Baiko-o III 三代目尾上梅幸 in 1814, and the following year he inherited the name Kikugoro-o III 三代目菊五郎. In 1825 the blockbuster play “Tôkaidô Yotsuya Kaidan”(Tokaido Yotsuya Ghost Tale) was written for him by Tsuruya Nanboku IV and was played\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eat Nakamura-za, Edo. Acting three roles with quick-change technique in this drama, Kikugorô fascinated the public and became a great hit. At the height of his fame he retired in 1847 after a final performance at the Ichimura-za, “Onoe Baiju Ichidai Banashi (Life Story of Onoe Baiju) ” named after him. Upon retirement he changed his name to Kiku-ya Manpei 菊屋万平 and opened a mochi shop in Saruwaka-cho. However he returned to Kabuki later and took on the name, O-okawa Hashizo-o. In 1848 on the way back to Edo from Osaka, he fell ill and died at Kakegawa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e     \u003c\/span\u003eA poem by Jippensha Ikkyu on top indicates “Otowa-ya”, though the rest of the poem cannot be deciphered. With thanks to Michiko Sato-Grube for her research on this work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression and color. Very good condition. Areas of wormage.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (38.7 x 25.9 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Echizen-ya Kihei\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyokuni ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Toyokuni II","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40332407865426,"sku":"TOK050","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/TOK050.jpg?v=1675978331"},{"product_id":"utagawa-yoshiiku-silhouette-of-the-actor-nakamura-aizo-中村相蔵","title":"Utagawa Yoshiiku: Silhouette of the Actor Nakamura Aizô 中村相蔵","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ochiai (\u003cspan\u003eUtagawa) \u003c\/span\u003eYoshiiku (1833-1904)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eSilhouette of the Actor \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eNakamura Aizô \u003c\/span\u003e中村相蔵\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries: \u003c\/strong\u003ePortraits as True Likenesses in the Moonlight \u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e真寫月花の姿絵\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1867\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSilhouette portrait of the actor Nakamura Aizô holding a fan. He wears his hair in the traditional Edo period hairstyle for men. Above we see the actor in a role where he wears a yukata decorated with the theme of the seashore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eInspired by popular shadow performances, which were performed in front of a sliding door with a bright light behind them, as well as the development of photographs by camera, Yoshiiku made this series of works that portray the silhouettes of 36 famous actors, comparing them to the 36 Immortal Poets. They seem to have been done from life, with the actors actually sitting for their portraits behind a screen, as this is illustrated in the preface for the series. It is unusual in ukiyo-e to see actors portrayed in a way that may be today considered “realistic”, as features were generally stylized within certain artistic conventions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe haiku poem at left has the red seal “ Aizô”. Perhaps it was composed by the actor himself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression and color. Very good condition. With some minor nibbles at right edge from binding holes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (36.5 x 23.4 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hirôka-ya\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:  \u003c\/strong\u003eSee MFA Boston, Honolulu Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum for other works from this series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ikkeisai Yoshiiku hitsu\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ochiai Yoshiiku","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40369017815122,"sku":"YII028","price":785.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/YII028.jpg?v=1678689319"},{"product_id":"utagawa-yoshiiku-silhouette-of-the-actor-kawarazaki-kunitaro-i-初代河原崎国太郎","title":"Utagawa Yoshiiku: Silhouette of the Actor Kawarazaki Kunitarô I  初代河原崎国太郎","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ochiai (\u003cspan\u003eUtagawa) \u003c\/span\u003eYoshiiku (1833-1904)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eSilhouette of the Actor Kawarazaki Kunitarô I\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e初代河原崎国太郎\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries: \u003c\/strong\u003ePortraits as True Likenesses in the Moonlight \u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e真寫月花の姿絵\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1867\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eInspired by popular shadow performances, which were performed in front of a sliding door with a bright light behind them, as well as the development of photographs by camera, Yoshiiku made this series of works that portray the silhouettes of 36 famous actors, comparing them to the 36 Immortal Poets. They seem to have been done from life, with the actors actually sitting for their portraits behind a screen, as this is illustrated in the preface for the series. Here is the portrait of Kawarazaki Kunitarô I (1849-1867 April) in silhouette. He was the son of Kawarazaki Gon’nosuke VII, and started at the Ichimura-za in Edo in February 1859 and played the roles of young adolescents, wakashû-gata (also known as persons of a third gender)\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e Then in November 1863, he shifted to playing the roles of young maidens and princesses, waka-on’na-gata. The silhouette indeed looks very feminine, so we can see how the actor gravitated to playing female roles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe inset on the right top shows one of his roles as a young maiden, probably Oyoshi of Ejima-ya. She has a kimono with the family crest of a pink, the flower nadeshiko. The haiku poem at left has the red seal “ Kunitaro-o”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eVery good impression, color and condition. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (36.5 x 23.1 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hirôka-ya\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:  \u003c\/strong\u003eSee MFA Boston, Honolulu Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum for other works from this series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ikkeisai Yoshiiku hitsu\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ochiai Yoshiiku","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40370028970066,"sku":"YII027","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/products\/YII027.jpg?v=1678770091"},{"product_id":"copy-of-yoshitoshi-ichikawa-sadanji-as-gosho-no-gorozo-as-flowers","title":"Yoshitoshi  芳年: Ichikawa Sadanji as Gosho no Gorozo as Flowers 雪月花の内 花　御所五郎蔵／初代市川左団次","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flowers \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e雪月花の内 花　御所五郎蔵／初代市川左団次\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Snow, Moon and Flowers: Setsu Gekka no uchi\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1890\/8 (Meiji 23)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFrom Yoshitoshi’s last and most important set of actor prints, “Snow, Moon and Flowers (Setsugekka no uchi)”. Here is the actor Ichikawa Sadanji as Gosho no Gorozô, from the play Soga maoyô tateshi no goshozome. The complex story ends tragically, as usual. Here the actor wears brightly patterned garments and has a shakuhachi flute that is protrudes to the left .Pink blossoms rain down, intimating the tragic ending of the play; falling blossoms usually indicate a shortened life in the story, as they symbolize the impermanent nature of our existence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression, color and condition. Untrimmed and unbacked. Light crease to middle sheet and minor pigment transfer of artist’s seal at far lower right.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban triptych (37 x 75 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Akiyama Buemon\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beauty \u0026amp; Violence p.146, number 69.3.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeal:\u003c\/strong\u003e carver’s: Hori-Yû\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yoshitoshi ga with “Yoshitoshi” oval seal in red\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tsukioka Yoshitoshi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40416786350162,"sku":"YOT858","price":7900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/YOT858.jpg?v=1683175922"},{"product_id":"utagawa-yoshiiku-silhouette-of-the-actor-ichikawa-kuzo-iii","title":"Utagawa Yoshiiku: Silhouette of the Actor Ichikawa Kuzo III 三代目市川九蔵","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ochiai (\u003cspan\u003eUtagawa) \u003c\/span\u003eYoshiiku (1833-1904)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eSilhouette of the Actor \u003cspan class=\"s1\" mce-data-marked=\"1\"\u003eIchikawa Kuzô III \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e三代目市川九蔵\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries: \u003c\/strong\u003ePortraits as True Likenesses in the Moonlight \u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e真寫月花の姿絵\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1867\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSilhouette of the actor Ichikawa Kuzo III. He wears his hair in the traditional Edo Period hairstyle. Inset, we see the actor in a role, holding a toothpick.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eInspired by popular shadow performances, which were performed in front of a sliding door with a bright light behind them, as well as the development of photographs by camera, Yoshiiku made this series of works that portray the silhouettes of 36 famous actors, comparing them to the 36 Immortal Poets. They seem to have been done from life, with the actors actually sitting for their portraits behind a screen, as this is illustrated in the preface for the series. It is unusual in ukiyo-e to see actors portrayed in a way that may be today considered “realistic”, as features were generally stylized within certain artistic conventions. Early impression.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression and color: very good condition. With minor wormage.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (36.2 x 23.3 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hirôka-ya\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:  \u003c\/strong\u003eSee MFA Boston, Honolulu Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum for other works from this series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature: \u003c\/strong\u003eChokaro Yoshiiku mo\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ochiai Yoshiiku","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40416879083602,"sku":"YII026","price":750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/YII026.jpg?v=1683176436"},{"product_id":"kunisada-actor-with-butterfly-robe-and-autumn-moon-at-akashi","title":"Kunisada: Actor with Butterfly Robe and Autumn Moon at Akashi","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eAutumn Moon at Akashi (Akashi aki no tsuki)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries: \u003c\/strong\u003eGenji Compared with Imaginary Eight Views (Genji Mitate hakkei no uchi)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1858\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA young actor gazes up rather dreamily towards the departing ship that is shown in the background behind him. He seems to wear the (Rustic) Genji hairstyle, and his outer robe is beautifully decorated with colorful butterflies and autumn grasses. The robe also features an oxidized grey lead pigment that also lends the scene the feeling of autumn. Both the Rustic Genji and the Eight Views themes were extremely popular subjects in Edo Japan, so combining them offered a fresh take for Kunisada (and his student Kunihisa, who drew the background scene). In the background view of Akashi, we see the full autumn moon and a line of plovers flying over the waves. The quality of the printing is exceptional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression, color and condition. Small spot at right.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (36.5 x 24.8 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kakumotoyo Kinjiro\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/strong\u003e See MFA website for others from this series.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature: \u003c\/strong\u003eni konomi Toyokuni ga\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e(by special request)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40465730863186,"sku":"KUS512","price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUS512.jpg?v=1688102567"},{"product_id":"kunisada-esoteric-incense-magic","title":"Kunisada: Esoteric Incense Magic","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Esoteric Incense Magic\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Competition of the Art of Magic done by Toyokuni \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e豊国揮毫　奇術競 \u003c\/span\u003e(Toyokuni kigô kijutsu kurabe)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1861\/12\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIchimura Uzaemon XIII in the role of Tengukozo Kiritaro. He floats on a wisp of incense smoke in a luxuriously appointed room. He holds a red gigaku mask and braces one harm against the other as he looks to his right. Behind him as a screen with a mysterious mountain scene, and next to him the Japanese lamp is decorated with bellflowers. It has been printed with beautiful  embossing, as have a number of other areas in the print, including his sash and collar This terrific series features actors in supernatural settings, playing well-known characters displaying their unique magical powers. It is appreciated for the extremely high quality of the printing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression, color and condition. Untrimmed and unbacked. Some minor wrinkles near edges.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (39 cm x 26.5 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hirano-ya\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e nanajû kyu sai Toyokuni hitsu (brush of Toyokuni at 79 years old)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40466961137746,"sku":"KUS514","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUS514.jpg?v=1688345883"},{"product_id":"kunisada-the-actor-kataoka-nizaemon-viii-as-jariba-niza","title":"Kunisada: The Actor Kataoka Nizaemon VIII as Jariba Niza","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe Actor Kataoka Nizaemon VIII as Jariba Niza 新舞台勇役割　砂利場仁三\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries: \u003c\/strong\u003e新舞台勇役割 Dashing Roles in New Plays (Shin butai isami no yakuwari)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1860\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe actor Kataoka Nizaemon VIII grasps a Buddhist staff and prayer beads in his left hand and holds a closed white pouch in his right. Over his shoulder is fabric with a bricklike pattern. All of these are clues to the character Jariba Niza, who must here be at a pivotal moment in the kabuki play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression; very good color and condition. With a fold near the left margin. Mica has been applied to the sky, and there are other deluxe printing effects.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban 36.6 x 25.5 cm\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kiya Sojuro\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyokuni ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40469630386258,"sku":"KUS513","price":275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUS513.jpg?v=1688616943"},{"product_id":"kunisada-minister-kibi-s-adventure-in-china-with-go-board-and-ghost","title":"Kunisada: Minister Kibi’s Adventure in China with Go Board and Ghost","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eMinister Kibi’s Adventure in China with Go Board and Ghost\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1852\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWe see the Japanese minister Kibi seated far right, wearing Japanese robes and looking confident as he plays a go game with the Chinese go master Gento, who wears Chinese-ish garments and looks quite concerned at how the game is going. The setting of this story is Tang Dynasty China (618-907), when Japan dispatched Minister Kibi (693-775) \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e吉備大臣 \u003c\/span\u003e(the rightmost figure in the print) to China. When he arrived, the Chinese nobles and intellectuals wanted to test his intelligence and wisdom. Minister Kibi had to accomplish three tasks: write an exegesis of voluminous Chinese anthology; win a Go-game;\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eand comment on a sophisticated and difficult poem. He managed to pass all with the help of Japanese deities and apparitions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe triptych depicts the scene of the Go-game of his second task, which took place in a tower of the imperial palace. Minister Kibi is facing master of Go, Gen-to \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e呉大将玄東, seated in the middle sheet\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe night before the tests, the ghost of Abe-no-Nakamaro \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e阿部仲麻呂 \u003c\/span\u003eappeared to Minister Kibi and told him his own sad tale–that he had also been also dispatched to China as the\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ekento-shi diplomat and was tested,\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ebut he was left to starve to death. The ghost asks about his own family and descendants, and Minister Kibi informed him of them. Then the Ghost promised him to help at the three tests. He taught Kibi the basics of the Go-game since the game was unknown to Kibi. Behind the scene of the match we see the ghost Abe-no-Nakamaro giving advice to help Kibi to win. It is said that Minister Kibi swallowed one black Go stone so that he could win. The wife of the master of Go, Koshojo, is seen in a gesture of surprise and shock at the fact that Kibi is winning the match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe actors are Onoe Baiko IV as Gento’s wife Koshojo; Ichikawa Kodanji IV as the Ghost of Abe no Nakamaro; Morita Kanya XI as the Chinese Minister Gento and\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eBando Hikosaburo IV as Minister Kibi. The actors are performing at the Nakamura Theatre (Nakamura-za) in the play The Golden Crow, the Jade Rabbit, and the Ship that Arrives from Japan (Kin'u gyokuto wakoku no irifune). This is a rather scarce design for some reason.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression; very good color and condition. Some trimming. Unbacked.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban triptych (35.5 x 73.5 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyokuni ga\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher: \u003c\/strong\u003eMoriya Jihei\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature: \u003c\/strong\u003eSee MFA Boston for their example (in inferior condition).\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40476830466130,"sku":"KUS507","price":1300.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUS507.jpg?v=1688944202"},{"product_id":"kuniyoshi-國芳-bloodied-torii-matasuke-cutting-his-own-throat","title":"Kuniyoshi  國芳:  Bloodied Torii Matasuke Cutting his Own Throat","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eNakamura Utaemon IV as Torii Matasuke 鳥居又助\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1849\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNakamura Utaemon IV as Torii Matasuke 鳥居又助. He is pinning down another man while holding a bloody knife to his throat, as he appears to be in the process of ending his own suffering. He also has a sharpened bamboo stick jutting out from his shoulder, a wound that appears fatal. His grey visage indicates that he has not long to live. This scene may be from the play O megumi ni uruo Iwafuji (恵閏初夏藤) also read ‘Megumi ni uruou Iwafuji’ by Sakurada Jisuke III, which was performed at the Ichimura-za from the 14th of the 4th month of 1849 (Kaei 2). During this period in Edo there was a surge in popularity of plays that featured thieves and scoundrels as antiheroes. The MFA and the Kuniyoshi Project both have this work listed as a single sheet print.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good impression, color and condition. Untrimmed and unbacked.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (37.2 x 25.4 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Iba-ya Kyubei\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLiterature: \u003c\/strong\u003eSee MFA f https:\/\/collections.mfa.org\/objects\/463707\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeal: \u003c\/strong\u003eYoshikiri\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kuniyoshi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40483716137042,"sku":"KUY606","price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUY606.jpg?v=1689216869"},{"product_id":"kotondo-painting-on-silk-of-actor-as-the-pirate-kezori-kuemon","title":"Kotondo: Painting on Silk of Actor as the Pirate Kezori Kuemon","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Torii Kotondo (1900-1976)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003ePainting on Silk of Actor as the Pirate Kezori Kuemon\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 1920\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePainting on silk of a kabuki actor in the role of the Nagasaki pirate Kezori Kuemon. This must be the scene where he has challenged Shôshichi to a duel for the love of the courtesan Kojorô. Yoshitoshi captured the same moment in his famous triptych “Moon”, from the “Snow, Moon, Flower” series. The costume and large overhead moon are also the same. Kotondo is known for his prints of beautiful women in the early Showa period. His teacher was the famous painter Kiyokata.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003eVery good condition overall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 55 x 36 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kotondo (hitsu?)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Torii Kotondo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40501009317970,"sku":"KOC101S","price":4900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KOC101S.jpg?v=1690945824"},{"product_id":"kunisada-goemon-flying-through-the-air-on-a-magical-scroll","title":"Kunisada: Goemon Flying Through the Air on a Magical Scroll","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eNakamura Shikan IV as Chigo Sutewakamaru Riding a Magical Scroll\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Competition of the art of magic done by Toyokuni 豊国揮毫奇術競 (Toyokuni kigô kijutsu arasoi)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1864\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNakamura Shikan IV as Chigo Sutewakamaru, who later transforms into Ishikawa Goemon via various kabuki storytelling contortions. Here as Goemon he comfortably rides an unfurled magical scroll and looks to his right with the confidence that he cannot be pursued while aloft. He pushes one sleeve up and carries a large wicker basket on his back. His red outer garment has been pulled down, and his shirt features images of scrolls.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThis may be from the play “Kinmon Gosan no Kiri”, in which case there is the body of Soemon, his father-in-law, packed away in the basket. During the stage performance Goemon emerges through an opening in the hanamichi and then soars above the heads of the audience, which must have been unforgettably exciting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFirst edition works from this series, as here, are prized for their luxurious printing. There is blindprinting on the white sleeve, lacquer-imitating black on his belt and a second pattern overprinted with a a barely visible shine on his red garment as well as extensive mica in the sky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (37.3 x 25 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hirano-ya\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e nanajû hachi sai Toyokuni hitsu (brush of Toyokuni at 78 years old)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40513863286866,"sku":"KUS510","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUS510.jpg?v=1692327947"},{"product_id":"kunisada-we-brigade-fifth-group-ichikawa-danzo-vi-as-the-doomed-taira-tomomori-with-anchor","title":"Kunisada: We Brigade, Fifth Group; Ichikawa Danzo VI as the doomed Taira Tomomori with Anchor.","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eWe Brigade, Fifth Group, Akabane: Actor Ichikawa Danzô VI as Taira Tomomori\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Edo no hana meisho-e (Flowers of Edo and Views of Famous Places)江戸の花名勝会\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1863\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eLower right we see Ichikawa Danzô VI as the doomed Taira Tomomori at the battle of Dan-no-ura, where he ties an anchor to himself and jumps into the sea rather than be captured and killed by the enemy. Upper left we see a charming hagoita paddle with an actor’s visage as well as the shuttlecock for this traditional new year’s game.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe term “Flowers of Edo” (Edo no hana) here refers to the terrible and common occurrence of fires, for which there were many fire brigades active throughout the city. The title panel shows the lanterns and identifying standard (matoi) for the brigade of firefighters (hikeshi) assigned to this district.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe title gives the name or number of a brigade, its group, and its district, followed by the kabuki scene chosen to match it. There is a lot going on in each design, as in the upper right are the standards and lanterns for specific fire brigades, and on the upper left are usually magic lantern slides. Then there are one or two designs that comprise the lower portion, with Kunisada designing the actor portrait and various (21! in total for the series) other artists designing the landscape scenes. Other artists who participated in this design: Hasegawa Settei (Japanese, 1813 – 1882) and Kakuju-jo (Japanese, active 1860s)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good impression, color and condition. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (35.1 x 24.2 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Katôya Iwazoô (Seibei)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLiterature: \u003c\/strong\u003eSee MFA website and FAMSF, Waseda University websites. A reference book has been privately published by Simon Henry that examines this entire series.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyokuni ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40520764063826,"sku":"KUS522","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUS522.jpg?v=1693194271"},{"product_id":"kuniyoshi-国芳-iemon-and-the-ghost-of-oiwa-kamiya-iemon-oiwa-no-bokon-神谷伊右衛門-お岩のぼうこん","title":"Kuniyoshi 国芳: Iemon and the ghost of Oiwa. Kamiya Iemon; Oiwa no bokon 神谷伊右衛門、お岩のぼうこん","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eIemon and the ghost of Oiwa. Kamiya Iemon; Oiwa no bokon 神谷伊右衛門、お岩のぼうこん\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e ca. 1848\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe pivotal “door transformation scene” from Japan’s most famous ghost story, Tokaido Yotsuya Kaidan 東海道四谷怪談. We see Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as the “handsome bad man” character\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eKamiya Iemon, here brandishing a sword towards the ghost of the the woman he murdered, his wife Oiwa. She has come to life to reproach Iemon for his evil deeds, which included murdering her and his servant Kohei and nailing their bodies to a door before throwing it into the Onbo Canal. Her face is disfigured from the poison that he fed her before she died, and her hair has mostly fallen out. This scene is also famous for the kabuki mechanism that allowed a single actor to play both dead characters. A very scarce design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression. Very good color and very good\/good condition. The pigments in Oiwa’s face have smeared.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (36 x 25 cm)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Otaya Takichi\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLiterature: \u003c\/strong\u003eAnother work from the series is in the collection of the British Museum 2008,3037.21330. This design in the collection of the Edo Tokyo Museum and the Waseda University Theater museum.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kuniyoshi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40629850996818,"sku":"KUY593","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUY593copy.jpg?v=1701409478"},{"product_id":"kuniyoshi-國芳-scene-from-a-ghost-story-the-okazaki-cat-demon-onoe-kikugoro-iii-as-usugomo-with-the-cat-ghost-okabe","title":"Kuniyoshi 國芳: Scene from a Ghost Story: The Okazaki Cat Demon --Onoe Kikugorō III as Usugomo with the cat-ghost Okabe (Reserved)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kuniyoshi 國芳 (1797-1861)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eScene from a Ghost Story: The Okazaki Cat Demon 昔ばなしの戯猫又をへて古寺に怪をなす図--Onoe Kikugorō III as Usugomo with the cat-ghost Okabe    \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1847\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA terrifying spectral cat, grey as a ghost, has torn through the reed blinds in with its enormous claws and fixed is glare on the central figure, Inabanosuke. He sits calmly in the center, as he is protected from the apparition by the Buddhist text that he holds in his right hand. We see a dream-bubble connection between the ghost cat and the two figures at right. These two women are actually the monster cat in disguise; one is the old evil woman who lives at this temple in Okazaki and next to her is a woman killed by the monster, a local woman named Okura whose body has been possessed. Both characters would have been played by the same actor in this special program, as Kikugoro was renowned for his ability to perform hayagawari, quick-changes, which must have thrilled the audience. At left is Teranishi Kenshin, holding a sedge woven hat under his arm, as he was dressed as a komuso for incognito travel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWith the title on the left sheet at the upper left corner, Mukashi banashi no tawamure nekomata wo hete koji ni kai wo nasu zu and the actors' roles identified from the left, Teranishi Kanshin and Inabanosuke.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe actor Sawamura Sojuro V (1802-1853) is in the role of Teranishi Kanshin, the actor Ichimura Uzaemon XII (1812-1851) is in the role of Inabanosuke, and the actor Onoe Kikugoro III (1784-1849) is in the role of Usugomo with the ghost cat of Okazaki on the right. The print depicts a scene from the play, Onoe Kikugoro ishidai banashi (The Lifetime of Onoe Kikugoro III) at Ichimura-za Theater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOnoe Kikugoro III entered retirement in September 1847 after this final performance at the Ichimura theatre. After this performance he took on the name Kikuya Manbei, and ran a mochi shop until he returned to the theater for a few months before his death in 1848.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eVery good impression, color and condition. Some trimming and areas of rubbing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wakau\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterature: \u003c\/strong\u003eSee “Staging the Supernatural” (Smithsonian, 2023) by Brooks and Felton, page 72-73, number 20 and frontispiece. See “YOKAI: Strange Beasts \u0026amp; Weird Spectres: 100 Japanese Triptychs” (2018), page 13. Nagoya City Mus., Takaki Shigeru Ukiyo-e Collection (2001), #17; Dai yôkai ten (2000), #101. See MFA 11.27023-5. See Marks “Japanese Yokai and Other Supernatural Beings”, page 25. Museum of Fine Arts, The Raymond A. Bidwell Collection of Prints by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, 1968, p. 62, no. 41; Robert Schaap, Heroes and Ghosts: Japanese Prints by Kuniyoshi, 1797-1861, 1998, p. 154, no. 162; Metropolitan Museum of Art (metmuseum.org), accession no. JP1563; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (collections.mfa.org), accession no. 49.1246; The Museum of Fine Arts , Houston (mfah.org), accession no. 2012.71.A-.C; Waseda University Library (archive.waseda.jp), accession no. 100-8880.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature: \u003c\/strong\u003eIchiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga     \u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oban triptych (approx 36 x 74 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kuniyoshi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40768158105682,"sku":"KUY612","price":5800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUY612copy5.jpg?v=1709946773"},{"product_id":"kunichika-ghost-of-okiku-and-tessan-tetsuzan-with-umbrella","title":"Kunichika: Ghost of Okiku and Tessan (Tetsuzan) With Umbrella","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ghost of Okiku and Tessan (Tetsuzan) With Umbrella\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1863\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIchimura Uzaemon as the Ghost of Okiku descends from above right, clutching her hair and surrounded by spirit flame (shinka). She glares with reproach at Aoyama Tessan (Asayama Tetsuzan), played by Ichikawa Kodanji, who holds an amulet packet in his teeth as he tries to ward off the onryo (vengeful spirit). He wears a robe that is decorated with what looks like tiny white wigs, which are even embellished with blindprinting. He firmly grips his umbrella, as the ghostly wind has turned it inside out at this pivotal moment of drama. The Edo period audience would have been very familiar with this ghost story. In it, the samurai Tessan tries to pressure the maid Okiku into a physical relationship, and when she refuses, he tries to blackmail her by accusing her of stealing the tenth plate in a priceless set. Instead of giving in, Okiku throws herself down the well, and at night she can be heard counting out the number of plates, reaching the number nine and then emitting a terrifying wail, driving Tessan to madness. This is from a kabuki play, probably “The Dish Manor at Bancho” and is based on old Japanese folklore.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent impression and color; very good condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban Diptych (each sheet approx. 35.6 x 25.5 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature: \u003c\/strong\u003eIchiosai Kunichika ga\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Toyohara Kunichika","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40768275513426,"sku":"KCA117","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KCA117copy.jpg?v=1709956121"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/collections\/KUS155CropA.jpg?v=1566367219","url":"https:\/\/egenolfgallery.com\/collections\/actors-kabuki\/awny-2026.oembed","provider":"Egenolf Gallery Japanese Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}