Kunisada 国貞: Okubi-e of Sawamura Tossho as Gennosuke

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)
Title: The actor Sawamura Tossho II as Sasaki Gennosuke 沢村訥升の佐々木源之助

Series: An untitled set (but known as Konjaku kabuki meiyo, “Famous Actor Portraits Past and Present”) Date: 1863

Astonishing okubi-e portrat of the actor Sawamura Tossho II as Sasaki Gennosuke. His crimson-red lips contrast against his porcelain-white visage that is topped by jet-black hair that has been carved at the edges as finely as rows of real human hair. His bold expression is filled with emotion. He holds a green piece of bamboo and his robe features stylized plovers and waves. This Ôkubi-e depicts Sawamura Tossho II as Sasaki Gen’nosuke in Kabuki drama ”Mukashi-katari uguisu-zuka 昔話黄鳥墳“ (or Nagara chôja uguisu-zuka 長柄長者黄鳥墳).

This story of family conflict and revenge is based on the doku-hon 読本 story book by Ritsujô-tei Kiran 栗杖亭鬼卵(1744-1823), in which Sasaki Gen’nosuke becomes the husband of Umegae, the daughter of a wealthy man, and takes center stage as the protagonist who avenges the murder of his father with help of a pet uguisu, bush warbler. This role was particularly associated with the Sawamura acting lineage, and this design would be something of a celebrity portrait.

We see Gennosuke in an over-kimono with a dramatic pattern of waves and Chidori birds, carrying a bamboo tube on his shoulder. This bamboo tube was used to feed the bush warbler (uguisu) with water and food during his difficult time in wandering poverty. At this time in the Edo period, bush warblers became very popular pets to keep at home, as many enjoyed its famously beautiful singing. This bamboo tube was also used as a telescope or to hide his secret letter during his tormenting journey.

This is considered the last great actor set Kunisada and was intended as a monument to his career. 72 prints were completed in this series, the final few by Yoshitora. Kunisada was the most famous and popular print artist of his time, and the printing perfection has caught up with his skill as a designer in these late actor portraits. These late actor works by Kunisada, especially where he proudly mentions his age (78 years old here), tend to have dizzyingly ornate printing, as the publishers were also eager to capitalize on the popular artist’s legacy and wanted to create something truly memorable for the print-buying public.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition.WIth a soft crease that is barely visible. Dimensions: ôban (37 x 24.3 cm)
Publisher: Ebisuya Shoshichi (Kinshodo) Signature: Nanajuhassai Toyokuni hitsu (78-year-old Toyokuni)

SKU: KUS641