{"product_id":"kunisada-the-joyful-type-うれしそう-ureshi-so-reading-a-theater-program","title":"Kunisada: The Joyful Type うれしそう (Ureshi so) Reading a Theater Program (SOLD)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe Joyful Type うれしそう (Ureshi so) Reading a Theater Program\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Modern Thirty-two Types 今様三十二相 (Imayô sanjû-ni sô)  \u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1859\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eUreshi so (”Looking Happy”). A beautifully-dressed woman looks up from what seems to be an illustrated book, but is more likely a theater program (shibai banzuke) that she holds in her hand. She has it open to a page of five figures in dramatic poses; there is some writing at the top that might be partially legible (see below). Her kimono features lush flowering peonies against a purple background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSô 相 is used in the both the series title and in Buddhist terminology to denote the physical aspects of perfection of an enlightened Buddha. Therefore, the Thirty-Two Aspects of a Buddha. However, Sô does not simply mean face or expression. It suggest an outward appearance that reveals an underlying quality or condition. On the other hand, Sô is a Japanese grammatical suffix meaning “looking….” or “seeming …”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIn this series, Kunisada depicted the features and pose of contemporary women, showing the gestures that convey an inner emotional state, as later Kuniyoshi created the series “Fûryû sanjû-ni sô”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHere the beauty is turning her head towards her right, sticking out her tongue a little bit. In her hand she holds a book, of which open page has writing that is probably saying “? ? の場“(Scene of\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e??)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe background is completely covered with deep “ai” (藍), indigo. This especially draws our eyes to the delicately carved hairline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIn a square inset left above we see a small wooden box with the characters Yanagi-shima 柳嶋 with a crest, some red cloths, and a part of a hanging lantern. Other insets in the series are made by Ukiyo-e artists Biso-tei Gengyo梅素亭玄魚 \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e(1817-1880). \u003c\/span\u003eThe crest might be his family crest. Yanagi-shima may refer to a famous corner area along the Sumida river, which was popular with a restaurant and the Temple Myôken-ji, which is featured in a Kabuki drama during the scene Yanagishima Myôken-ji in “Osome Hisamatsu ukina no yomiuri 於染久松色売販”. Myôken Tea House, de-ch-ya 出茶屋 Myôken cha-ya also appeasr in the drama. The hanging lantern has a character “ya”(屋). (With thanks to Michiko Sato-Grube for her research here.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePerhaps she is at the theater, (as she is dressed for it), or about to experience it--this may have to do with why she is described as happy.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eKunisada was flexing his muscles as the most popular ukiyo-e artist of the time, as this and other series of the period feature absolutely dazzling printing techniques. Here there is gauffrauge in the beauty’s white robe collar as well as a soft blindprinting in her face to give dimension to her nose ridge. It has been printed on heavy, deluxe paper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent impression and color; very good\/excellent condition. Small repair in inset cartouche at left.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ôban (38 x 25.4 cm)  \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yamaguchi-ya Fujibei\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toyokuni ga 豊国画\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSealed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yokowawa Hori-Take 横川彫竹 namely Yokokawa Takejirô I (carver)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42786161328210,"sku":"KUS640","price":2900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0079\/3388\/6546\/files\/KUS640.jpg?v=1791326236","url":"https:\/\/egenolfgallery.com\/products\/kunisada-the-joyful-type-%e3%81%86%e3%82%8c%e3%81%97%e3%81%9d%e3%81%86-ureshi-so-reading-a-theater-program","provider":"Egenolf Gallery Japanese Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}