Fine Japanese Prints

Fine Japanese Prints

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 34. Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864) | The actors Onoe Baiko IV, Ichikawa Kodanji IV, Morita Kanya XI, Bando Hikosaburo IV in the roles of Gento's Wife Koshojo, the Ghost of Abe no Nakamaro, the Chinese Minister Gento and Minister Kibi | Edo period, 19th century.

Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864) | The actors Onoe Baiko IV, Ichikawa Kodanji IV, Morita Kanya XI, Bando Hikosaburo IV in the roles of Gento's Wife Koshojo, the Ghost of Abe no Nakamaro, the Chinese Minister Gento and Minister Kibi | Edo period, 19th century

VAT reduced rate

Lot Closed

March 24, 02:34 PM GMT

Estimate

2,400 - 3,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864)

The actors Onoe Baiko IV, Ichikawa Kodanji IV, Morita Kanya XI, Bando Hikosaburo IV in the roles of Gento's Wife Koshojo, the Ghost of Abe no Nakamaro, the Chinese Minister Gento and Minister Kibi

Edo period, 19th century 


woodblock print, triptych, each sheet signed Toyokuni ga within toshidama cartouche, censor's seals Mera (Mera Ta'ichiro) and Watanabe (Watanabe Gentaro), published by Moriya Jihei (Kinshindo), 1852


Vertical oban triptych: 36.7 x 73.8 cm., 14½ x 29⅛ in. 

The actors are performing at the Nakamura Theatre (Nakamura-za) in the play The Golden Crow, the Jade Rabbit, and the Ship that Arrives from Japan (Kin'u gyokuto wakoku no irifune). The historical drama recounts the exploits of Minister Kibi who was sent as an emissary to the Tang court in 716, and is alleged to have returned to Japan in 736 with various artforms and knowledge from the continent, including the board game of go.