1964 After Sharaku "Actor Matsumoto Yonesaburo as Courtesan Keshozaka", Full-Color Print

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A stunning large full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "Actor Matsumoto Yonesaburo as Courtesan Keshozaka who in reality … Read more A stunning large full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "Actor Matsumoto Yonesaburo as Courtesan Keshozaka who in reality is Girl Shinobu in disguise" by Toshusai Sharaku. Comes from a rare Collection of 24 Masterpieces by Sharaku. Produced & published by Shuei-Sha, Tokyo, in September, 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 7 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 Dr. Kiyoshi Shibui and Mr. Sadao Kikuchi (below) in Japanese and English is included.

Overall (folded) 12.50"W x 18.25"H
Overall (unfolded) 25"W x 18.25"H
Image 9.50"W x 13.95"H

Commentary by Ukiyo-e Art consultant & editor Dr. Kiyoshi Shibui and Mr. Sadao Kikuchi:
Signature: signed Toshusai Sharaku
Printers: Tsutaya Juzaburo
In the possession of Tokyo National Museum

This picture is from the play "Vendetta Ferry Boat" staged at Kiri-Za for its May billing in the 6th year of Kansei (1794). The play was written by Sakurada Jisuke in adaptation from two novels "Vendetta of Ganryu Isle" and "White Stone Story of GO". It's a double vendetta story featuring two sisters Miyagino and Shinobu avenging their father's murder on Shiga Daishichi and Jiro avenging his father's murder om Sasaki Ganryu. The avengers pool their force and end up successful thanks to the help of a sympathetic fishmonger Gorobee. The part actor Matsumoto Yonesaburo is playing Shinobu in the guise of courtesan Keshozaka no Shosho. The actor's face is unusually mild for SHARAKU The hand holding a long pipe, thrusted from inside the breast fold of the outer kimono and the dreamy expression in the courtesan's eyes carry a lyrical atmosphere. See less