1964 After Sharaku "Actor Matsumoto Koshiro as Minakawa Shinzaemon", Full-Color Print From Japan

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A stunning large full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "Actor Matsumoto Koshiro as Minakawa Shinzaemon or Hata- Rokurozaemon … Read more A stunning large full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "Actor Matsumoto Koshiro as Minakawa Shinzaemon or Hata- Rokurozaemon 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 23 on the label on the front of the cover. Excellent condition - some edge wear on the board and 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 6.05"W x 12.75"H

Commentary by Ukiyo-e Art consultant & editor Dr. Kiyoshi Shibui and Mr. Sadao Kikuchi:
Signature: signed Toshusai Sharaku
Printers: Tsutaya Juzaburo (with a seal)
In the possession of Mr. C. H. Mitchell, Tokyo

This is one of narrow sheets taken from a play representing the plebeian world. The picture has no trace of SHARAKU's ability to capture and express the traits of an actor's style and his individuality by sheer color schemes. It only suggests of his efforts to delineate Kabuki form and actor's costumes. When it comes to such conventionalism, Utagawa Toyokuni whose actors' likeness so pleased the world they clamored for more and in the course of it sent SHARAKU out of business is found actually far more effectual. Such pandering to the public may have, in SHARAKU's case, eventually shortened his working days to 10 months or so. Pity, but it is the existence of such latter-day works that bring out the excellence of his earlier works, and will help lift some of the mystery surrounding SHARAKU. See less