Posts by Richard Kruml:
Torii KIYOMITSU (1735-1785)
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An hosoban benizuri-e print in beni, yellow and blue showing the actor Segawa Kikunojo II (bottom left) in the role of musume Kagekiyo and Ichimura Uzaemon IX (top right) as Osu…, possibly Osutoko. Musume means “daughter”, while Kagekiyo was the famous general of the Heike clan. However, if Kikunojo were playing Kagekiyo’s daughter then it would be written Kagekiyo musume. (His daughter was named Hitomaru and she does indeed feature in many plays about him.) But in this case, it perhaps refers to a female version of Kagekiyo’s daughter after all and it’s just written the other way round for some reason, then it would identify the performance and date nicely: the play would be Soga yawaragi Soga performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre in the 1st month of 1767. Published by Nishimura, Eijudo han. Extremely rare. (Many thanks to Paul Griffith for the elucidation above.)
Fine impression and colour. Slight vertical fold and small expertly restored wormhole near bottom edge. Signed Torii Kiyomitsu ga.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1726-1792)
Click here to view image full size. An hosoban showing the actor Ichikawa Danjuro V as a blacksmith forging a sword blade. An unidentified role published c. 1780. Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Shunsho ga. Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Segawa Kikunojo V in the role of Ama Myochin, the Cat Witch, from the set Hakkenden inu no soshi no uchi, the Eight Dog Heroes, published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 5/1852. The play was premiered at the Ichimura-za Theatre, 1/1852. This is the highlight of the play: […]
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Nakamura Utaemon II playing two roles (out of seven), Nana yaku no uchi, which are: the Manzai street entertainer Tsuchiemon (seated) and Kudayu’s daughter Okumi, in the play Chushin koshaku performed at the Nakamura-za Theatre, 7/1812. Very good impression and colour. Minor creasing, otherwise […]
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
Click here to view image full size. The actors Matsumoto Koshiro V (right) as the barber Nagata Taro; in reality Kamada Masakiyo, and Segawa Michinosuke I as Genkichi’s wife, Osoro; in reality Nagata’s younger sister, in the play Wakazakari Heike Monogatari, performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre, 11/1806. Published by Hachi. Very good impression […]
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Onoe Matsusuke I as the ghost of the wife of Kohada Koheiji in the play Eiri otogi zoshi performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre, 7/1808. In fact, Matsusuke played both the wife and Kohada Koheiji. One of the best plots in Kabuki: Kohada Koheiji was a third-rate […]
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. A fine triptych showing the actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX in Shibaraku role. Kabuki juhachiban no uchi: shibaraku, “The Eighteen Famous Kabuki Plays: Shibaraku.” Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 8/1895. Illustrated on the front cover of Time Present and Time Past: Images of a Forgotten Master: Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900). Amy […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Click here to view image full size. A vertical diptych showing the actor Onoe Baiko III in the role of the vengeful and disfigured spirit of Kasane above Sawamura Tossho I as her husband Kinoshitagawa Yoemon. From the play Kuruwa kruwa date no ooyose performed at the Ichimura-za theatre 1836. Published by Kawaguchiya Chozo, 1836. […]
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. A vertical triptych showing Onoe Kikugoro as Okiku’s ghost; Ichikawa Danjuro IX as the daimyo Aoyama Tessan, and Onoe Kikujiro V and Onoe Matsusuke V as his retainers in the play Sarayashi kesho no sugatami, “Mirror of the House of Blue Dishes.” Performed at the Kabuki-za Theatre, 10/1892. […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Danjuro VIII as the ghost of Seigen from a set of prints Mitate sanjurokkasen no uchi, “An Imaginary Thirty-six Poets” published by Iseya Kanekichi in 1852. The relevant poet in this case is Ariwara no Narihira. The corrupt priest Seigen broke his vows of chastity when […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Ichikawa Kodanji IV in the role of the vengeful and disfigured spirit of Kasane (Kasane no Bokon) from a set of prints Mitate sanjurokkasen no uchi, “An Imaginary Thirty-six Poets” published by Iseya Kanekichi in 1852. The relevant poet in this case is Fujiwara Toshiyuki no […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A diptych showing the actors Bando Shuka (left) as O-kaji, wife of Danshichi, with sword drawn attacking Seki Sanjuro III as the old hag, wife of Giheiji of Mikawa-cho in pouring rain. From the play Shinzo Tsurifune kidan performed at the Ichimura theatre, 5/1852. Published by Kakumotoya Kinjiro. […]
Utagawa KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing the actor Ichikawa Sandanji I as Akiyama Kiimori amidst an intense conflagration started in an attempt to capture him, Yakuchi no ba. From the series Meiijiza shinkyogen, “New Plays from the Meiji Theatre.” Published by Akiyama Buemon , 1894. Fine impression, colour and condition. […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Onoe Kikugoro V as Aoyagi Harunosuke from a fine and rare set of 14 actor prints: Seiu kandankei, “A Barometer of Emotions.” This being Full Tide. The set published by Okura Magobei, 1877. Presumably showing Kikugoro in the play Shianui Monogatari written by Ryukatei Tanekazu; Ryutei […]
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. A full-on image of the actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa in the Shibaraku play with the voluminous costume associated with the role. Title: Kabuki juhachiban no uchi/Shibaraku, “The Eighteen Famous Kabuki Plays:Shibaraku.” Kunichika made a number of prints, single, diptych and triptych, of this subject […]
Katsukawa SHUN’EI (1762-1819)
Click here to view image full size. A hosoban diptych complete showing Ichikawa Monnosuke II ( left sheet ) as Soga no Goro and Sawamura Sojuro III ( right sheet ) as Soga no Juro in the play Shunshoku Edo-e Soga performed at the Ichimura-ya in the first month of 1791. Published by Harimaya Shinshichi. […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Hana, “Flowers” from the set Setsugekka no uchi, “Snow, Moon, and Flowers.” Shows the actor Ichikawa Sadanji as Gosho no Gorozo. The main character in the play Soga moyo tateshi no goshozome, “The Story of Gorozo, the Chivalrous Commoner.” A convoluted plot (as usual) with the samurai Gorozu […]
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1821)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Ichikawa Omezo I in the role of Hannya no Goro in a Shibaraku scene. Part of the play Monomiguruma yuki no takadono performed at the Morita-za Theatre, 11/1810. Published by Kawachiya Genshichi. A striking design. Fine impression and colour. Small expertly repaired binding holes […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A mitate (imaginary) triptych showing, from left to right: Onoe Kikugoro III as Takehara Genpachi; Ichikawa Ebizo V as Omura Gengo; Iwai Tojaku as Fujinami. The actors surrounding a handscroll that is emitting strong bands of light. Published by Edoya Matsugoro, c. late 1830s. Fine impression and colour. […]
Katsukawa SHUNKO (1743-1812)
Click here to view image full size. An hosoban showing the actor Sakata Hangoro II as the sumo wrestler Kujaku Saburo Narihira in pouring rain in the kaomise drama Sugata no hana yuki no kuronushi performed at the Ichimuraza Theatre, 11/1776. Shunko was a pupil of Katsukawa Shunsho and is thought to have originated the […]
Kitao SHIGEMASA (1739-1820)
Click here to view image full size. A hosoban showing the actors Ichikawa Komazo II (above right) in the role of Honcho Tsunagoro and Otani Hiroemon II (below) as Hantoki Kuroemon. The play was the second item (nibanme) on the programme which came after the first play Hatsuakinai omise Soga performed at the Nakamura-za Theatre, […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Ichikawa Kodanji IV as the ghost of Kasane from a set Mitate sanjurokkasen no uchi, “An Imaginary Thirty-six Poets.” A famous early compilation; in this case the image is inspired by a poem of Fujiwara no Toshiyuki Ason. Shows Kasane’s vengeful ghost appearing to her husband […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as the ghost of Seigen from a set Mitate sanjurokkasen no uchi, “An Imaginary Thirty-six Poets.” A famous early compilation; in this case the image is inspired by a poem of Ariwara no Narihira.The ghost is of the depraved priest Seigen who broke […]
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Nakamura Tsuruzo I as Awayuki Nashito, a vassal of the daimyo Takeda Nobumasa, from the set Hakkenden inu no soshi no uchi , “Stories of the Eight Dog Heroes.” Published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1852. The extremely lengthy novel by Kyokutei Bakin took 30 years to complete […]
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Segawa Kikunojo V as the Cat Witch Ama Myochin from the set Hakkenden inu no soshi no uchi , “Stories of the Eight Dog Heroes.” Published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1852. The extremely lengthy novel by Kyokutei Bakin took 30 years to complete and was turned into […]
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Kataoka Ichizo I as the boatman Kajikuro from the set Hakkenden inu no soshi no uchi , “Stories of the Eight Dog Heroes.” Published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1852. The extremely lengthy novel by Kyokutei Bakin took 30 years to complete and was turned into a very […]
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
Click here to view image full size. The Actor Bando Mitsuemon I as Akaiwa Gajiro from the set Hakkenden inu no soshi no uchi , “Stories of the Eight Dog Heroes.” Published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1852. The extremely lengthy novel by Kyokutei Bakin took 30 years to complete and was turned into a very successful […]
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
Click here to view image full size. The complete diptych showing on the right the actor Arashi Otohachi III as the evil priest Bungyu attacking Asuka played by Fujikawa Kayu III from the set Hakkenden inu no soshi no uchi , “Stories of the Eight Dog Heroes.” Published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1852. The extremely lengthy […]
Ryusai SHIGEHARU (1803-1853)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Nakamura Utaemon III as the ghost of Taira no Tomomori in the play Yoshitsune senbon zakura, “Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees.” Famous for tying himself to an anchor and jumping into the sea at the battle of Dan-no-Ura (1185). Performed at the Kado Theatre, 5/1831. […]
Utagawa NOBUKATSU (Active 1824-1841)
Click here to view image full size. An Osaka print showing the actor Onoe Baiko III as Kan Shojo (Sugawara Michizane) in the play Sugawara denju tenarai kagami, “Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy.” Performed at the Takeda Theatre, 3/1830. This is the famous Mt. Tempai scene from the play. Published by Tenmaya Kihei. Shows […]
Utagawa TOYOKUNI (1769-1825)
Click here to view image full size. An actor portrait showing Matsumoto Koshiro V (standing) in the role of Banzui Chobei and Bando Mitsugoro III as Shira Gonpachi next to a kago in Sakurada Jisuke I’s play Banzuin Chobei shojin manaita. Performed at the Nakamura-za 7/8/1803. Published by Nishimuraya Yohachi. Very good impression and […]
Torii KIYOMITSU (1735-1785)
Click here to view image full size. An hosoban showing the actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX in the role of Hanako performing the famous dance in Musume Dojoji, “The Maiden at Dojoji Temple.” Hanako is allowed to dance before the new bell at the temple only to reveal herself as the spirit of Kiyohime who killed […]
Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1726-1792)
Click here to view image full size. An hosoban showing the actor Otani Hiroji III wearing a red straw cape in the snow and holding aloft a crystal ball. An unidentified role published c. 1775. Evidently Hiroji was very popular with female theatre-goers. Very good impression and colour. Minor soil and wear, otherwise […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Click here to view image full size. Onoe Baiko III (Kikugoro III) as the vengeful ghost of Kasane appearing to haunt her husband Yagoro who had murdered her after getting tired of her ugliness. From the play Kuruwa kuruwa date no oyose performed at the Ichimura Theatre 2/1836. Title: Kokon misou kufu no yurei, “Famous […]
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
Click here to view image full size. Shows the actor Onoe Shoroku I as Osakabehime, Princess Osakabe, a phantom who haunted the battlements of Himeji Castle. The character appeared in the play Matazoro Shoroku Osakabe banashi performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre from 22/5/1814. But this is probably a shini-e published the following year as it […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII in the drama Shibaraku. He is seen in his voluminous robe with the large Sansho (three square) motif which was the symbol of the Danjuro acting clan. The origins of the drama go back to Danjuro I in 1697 although there have been […]
Torii KIYOMITSU (1735-1785)
Click here to view image full size. An hosoban benizuri-e showing the actor Bando Hikosaburo II as Sanada no Yoichi Yoshitada in the play Ume ya suisen izu no irifune performed at the Morita Theatre, 11/1763. Yoshitada served the Minamoto Clan and is usually shown fighting his adversary Matano Goro Kagehisa. Published by Harimaya Shinshichi. […]
Torii KIYOMITSU (1735-1785)
Click here to view image full size. An hosoban benizuri-e showing the actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX as Soga no Goro Tokimune, brandishing a club, and riding to avenge the murder of his father by Kudo Suketsune. Published c. 1768. (The publisher’s seal may be on the underside of the horse.) Kiyomitsu was the second son […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. An interesting and rare Kuniyoshi triptych showing actors relaxing in a busy teahouse. In fact this group appeared in the play Sumidagawa tsui no kagamon performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre from the 3/3/1852. Left sheet: Suzuki Mondo just stepping into the room dressed in a blue and white […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A complete diptych showing the huge figure of the actor Ichimura Uzaemon XIII as Kozo Kikunosuke , a young thief, fighting the police on the roof of the Gokuraku-ji Temple. This is the culmination and Act V of the play Benten Kozo performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre, March […]