{"product_id":"ukiyoe-japanese-woodblock-prints-syaraku-7","title":"Matsumoto Kōshirō IV as Sanya no Sakanaya","description":"\u003ch2 data-start=\"155\" data-end=\"195\"\u003eScholarly Notes on This Ukiyo-e Print\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"197\" data-end=\"369\"\u003eThis description is based on the original scholarly notes supervised by Yoshida Eiji, a leading authority on ukiyo-e research and Sharaku studies, included with this print.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"371\" data-end=\"599\"\u003eEach artwork is accompanied by a thin sheet of Japanese washi paper containing academic commentary in Japanese. For international collectors, we provide here a faithful English translation as part of the artwork’s documentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"601\" data-end=\"604\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"606\" data-end=\"628\"\u003eArtwork Description\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"630\" data-end=\"950\"\u003eThis print depicts Sakanaya Gorobei, who appeared in the May performance of \u003cem data-start=\"706\" data-end=\"732\"\u003eKatakiuchi Noriaibanashi\u003c\/em\u003e at the Kiriza Theater in the sixth year of Kansei (1794). The character is a righteous fishmonger who assists Matsushita Mikinoshin’s daughters, Miyagino and Shinobu, in avenging their parents’ enemy, Shiga Daishichi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"952\" data-end=\"1388\"\u003eThe predominant color scheme is centered on a broad black dotera coat. Aside from this, only small accents of yellow and red appear at the sleeve cuffs and on the kiseru pipe. Most of the garment is rendered in subdued dark purple set against the black mica background of the kimono. These restrained tones, punctuated by small bright highlights, intensify the visual impact and demonstrate Sharaku’s distinctive sense of color balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1390\" data-end=\"1885\"\u003eThe checkered pattern on the robe is known as “Kōraiya gōshi,” named after Kōshirō’s stage name Kōraiya. Kōshirō was particularly fond of this design. Matsumoto Kōshirō IV was a celebrated actor from the Tenmei to the Kansei eras, admired for his appearance, voice, presence, and eloquence. Though often reserved, he was known for sharp wit and understated humor. While he frequently portrayed white-faced roles on stage, Sharaku captures both his character and artistry with remarkable clarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1887\" data-end=\"2371\"\u003eThis is evident in the soft lines describing the right hand tucked into the left sleeve and the hand holding the pipe from the left shoulder. A subtle touch of rouge around the eyes enhances their vividness. Kōshirō transitioned from training as an onnagata under Segawa Kikunojō to male roles under the fourth Danjūrō. He performed under the stage names Somegorō and Komazō before assuming the name Kōshirō. He passed away in the sixth month of the Kyōwa era at the age of sixty-six.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2373\" data-end=\"2376\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2378\" data-end=\"2388\"\u003eEdition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2390\" data-end=\"2458\"\u003e1968 woodblock reprint\u003cbr data-start=\"2412\" data-end=\"2415\"\u003eHand printed using traditional techniques\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2460\" data-end=\"2532\"\u003eThis is a mid 20th century reprint after Sharaku’s original 1794 design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2534\" data-end=\"2537\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2539\" data-end=\"2551\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2553\" data-end=\"2649\"\u003eGood impression with vibrant colors.\u003cbr data-start=\"2589\" data-end=\"2592\"\u003eFaint soiling and small thinned area consistent with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2651\" data-end=\"2654\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2656\" data-end=\"2666\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2668\" data-end=\"2792\"\u003eSignature: Toshusai Sharaku\u003cbr data-start=\"2695\" data-end=\"2698\"\u003eDate: 1968\u003cbr data-start=\"2708\" data-end=\"2711\"\u003eJapanese Woodblock Print\u003cbr data-start=\"2735\" data-end=\"2738\"\u003ePrint size: 31 x 21 cm\u003cbr data-start=\"2760\" data-end=\"2763\"\u003eBacking sheet: 41.5 x 30 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2794\" data-end=\"2844\"\u003eAll artworks are sold as shown in the photographs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2846\" data-end=\"2849\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2851\" data-end=\"2878\"\u003eAbout the Sharaku Series\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2880\" data-end=\"3044\"\u003eTōshūsai Sharaku was active for only ten months between 1794 and 1795. During this brief period, he created actor portraits that broke dramatically from convention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3046\" data-end=\"3201\"\u003eRather than idealizing his subjects, Sharaku revealed the psychological intensity of kabuki performance through bold composition and uncompromising vision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3203\" data-end=\"3386\"\u003eThis series presents carefully selected mid 20th century woodblock reprints, printed by hand using traditional methods, offering a renewed encounter with Sharaku’s revolutionary work.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kumano.is","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46180469571884,"sku":"","price":24999.0,"currency_code":"ISK","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/6205\/5724\/files\/3-5_Kumano_project_2023042513960_1.jpg?v=1707500701","url":"https:\/\/kumano.is\/products\/ukiyoe-japanese-woodblock-prints-syaraku-7","provider":"Kumano.is","version":"1.0","type":"link"}