Utagawa YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
A set of 8 prints showing actors as firefighters: Edo no hana yoru no nigiwai, “Flowers of Edo, Excitement at Night.” It’s generally catalogued as having 8 designs, however the MFA Boston has a design not shown here: acc. no. 11.37798, so it seems there are 9 or 10 in complete set. It looks like there was originally a triptych published with the title showing the actors Ichikawa Kodanji IV (left), Kawarazaki Gonjuro I (centre), Nakamura Shikan IV (right) and then extra sheets were added which can be assembled as desired. Each sheet with hand-splashed gofun (oxidised) in the sky to resemble flying embers or sparks from the fires. Firemen were notorious for their rowdy behaviour and rivalrous nature leading to open hostility with other groups such as sumo wrestlers. Fires were a constant threat due to the building materials used, and firefighters were not above starting fires themselves in order to be the first on the scene (especially if they were in the construction business). Published by Ebiya Rinnosuke, 1860. Exceptional printing and designs on the thick, quilted cotton-soaked firefighters’ jackets (hikeshi-banten).
Fine impressions and colour. Minor marks, otherwise fine condition. Signed Icheisai Yoshitsuya ga on each sheet.
Status: Sold