Hirosada: Nakamura Utaemon As Tattooed Danshichi (SOLD)

Artist: Konishi (Gosotei) Hirosada (ca. 1810-1864)
Date: 1850

The actor Nakamura Utaemon IV as Danshichi Kurobei, from the famous night scene of tattooed Danshichi performing the behind-the back thrust that kills Giheiji. This is from the play A Mirror of the Osaka Summer Festival (Natsu matsuri Naniwa kagami 夏祭浪花鑑), and this scene is known as the Behind the Nagamachi (Nagamachi ura長町裏) , the seventh scene in this very popular play. Danshichi is a fishmonger, hence his extensive tattoos, which feature a dragon on his back and cherry blossoms on his arms. The title has been printed in silver atop the deep black. These Osaka-printed works are known for their surimono-like printing–this work has metallic pigments and embossing on very tiny portions of the fabric and sword hilt, as well as hairs that are printed even finer than human hairs, a feat of block-carving skill that has been lost to time.

Condition: Excellent impression; very good color and condition. Minor repaired wormage in margin. Exquisitely printed.  Dimensions: 24.8 x 17.8 cm (chuban)

SKU: OSA056