Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)

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The ill-fated couple Ianoya Hanbei and Ochiya: the subjects of a famous double suicide in 1722 in Osaka. From a set Jitsu kurabe iro no minakami, “An Array of Passionate Lovers.” Ochiya was banished from the family home by Hanbei’s stepmother, Okuma. However, not able to live apart, they decide on their fate. Edoites were fascinated by these true-life dramas which were transformed into novels, Kabuki plays and, of course, ukiyo-e. Pubished by Nishimuraya Yohachi, c 1798. Provenance: Ex collection Walter Amstutz, sold Sotheby’s 15/4/1991, lot 137, page 240 of the sale catalogue. Rare: not listed in Yoshida, Shibui or the British Museum exhibition catalogue The Passionate Art of Kitagawa Utamaro, BM and Chiba City Museum, 1995.

Fine impression. Very good colour. Slightly trimmed around, otherwise very good condition. Signed Utamaro hitsu.

Status: Available

Price: £7500