Shunkosai HOKUEI (FL. 1829-1837)
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A dramatic diptych showing the actor Iwai Shijaku I as Lady Osuma shining her lantern on the actor Bando Jutaro as Sasaya Hanbei from the play Honobonoto ura no asagiri, “Daybreak Hidden on the Bay by Morning Fog.” A revenge drama performed at the Naka no Shibai, Osaka, 9/1832. Hanbei is an accomplice of the villain in the play, Karahashi Daisuke. The confrontation takes place immediately after he has murdered the fiancée of the play’s hero, Kowari Dennai, by throwing her off a cliff. He makes his escape by throwing shuriken (star-shaped throwing blades) at Osuma.
Very fine impression. This is a de-luxe edition of the first state “surimono-style.” The hand-stamped block cutter’s seal “surimono cut by Kasuke” bottom left of second sheet. A later edition missing seal was published by Iden. Fine colour with burnished pattern on Osuma’s costume and the poem above is written in metallic pigment. Fine condition. Signed Shunkosai Hokuei ga with seal fumoto no yuki.
Status: Available
Shunkosai HOKUEI (Active 1824-1837)
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Iwai Shijaku I as Kowagi Atsumori and Nakamura Utaemon III as Kumagai Jiro Naozane in Gempei Tsutsuji, performed 2/1832 at the Kado Theatre. Published by Honya Seishichi. This is the second state of three: The first edition also has carver’s seal and various de-luxe embellishments. The third state lacks seals and has the actors’ names in blue top left ( one changed ) for a performance the following year 3/1833.
Fine impression and colour. One flattened crease, otherwise very good condition. Signed Shunkosai Hokuei ga.
Status: Sold