1964 After Kiyonaga "Kabuki Theater Actors Sansho Tokujiro and Matsumoto Koshiro", Full-Color Print From Japan

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A stunning large full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print by Kiyonaga (1752-1815) depicting Kabuki Theater Actors Sansho Tokujiro … Read more A stunning large full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print by Kiyonaga (1752-1815) depicting Kabuki Theater Actors Sansho Tokujiro in the role of Courtezan Umekawa and Matsumoto Koshiro the IV in the role of Chubei". Comes from a rare Collection of 24 Masterpieces by Kiyonaga. Produced & published by Shuei-Sha, Tokyo, in July 1964. Printers: Toppan Printing Co., LTD. Printed on one side. Attached at the top to a board of heavy textured paper, covered with lighter sheet of paper for protection, numbered 24 on the label on the front of the cover. Excellent condition - minor edge wear on the board, minor age wear on the cover, never framed, ready to be framed. Copy of the commentary by Mr. Sadao Kikuchi (below) in Japanese and English is included.

Overall (folded) 12.55"W x 18.20"H
Overall (unfolded) 25"W x 18.20"H
Image 9.90"W x 15.10"H

Commentary by Ukiyo-e Art consultant & editor Mr. Sadao Kikuchi:

Signature: signed KIYONAGA
Printer: Nishimura Eijudo
In the possession of Mr. Shinichiro Nakajima, Tokyo

KIYONAGA's greatest distinction as an actor painter lies in his original creation of the "degatari" series in which the musical performers are portrayed in action to supply a realistic background to the puppet-show or the Kabuki actor, the main subject. With this new strategy, KIYONAGA was able to compete successfully with the Katsukawa school of artists who specialized in the sheer likenesses of popular actors.

This "Degatari" piece represents the well-known scene in the Kabuki piece which concerns ill-starred lovers, courtesan Umegawa and her lover Chubei. It was a great hit at Moritaza in the 4th year of Temmei (1784). The emotional scene is abstracted in bold, dramatic lines and vivid colors, instantly communicative even with those unfamiliar with the Kabuki conventions. See less