Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)

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The lovers Hinadori and Kuganosuke from a series of half-length portraits of pairs of lovers featured in joruri love-suicide plays. (Joruri were bunraku puppet dramas). Jitsu kurabe iro no minakami, “True Feelings Compared: The Founts of Love.” At the height of their popularity the Japanese government cracked down on these joruri plays as they were inspiring copycat double suicides amongst the population. Published by Nishimuraya Yohachi, c 1798-9.

Fine impression. Very good colour. Some paper chain lines visible, otherwise very good condition. Signed Utamaro hitsu.

Status: Available