{"product_id":"ukiyoe-japanese-woodblock-prints-syaraku-8","title":"Matsumoto Yonesaburō as Nakai Otsuyu","description":"\u003ch2 data-start=\"149\" data-end=\"189\"\u003eScholarly Notes on This Ukiyo-e Print\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"191\" data-end=\"363\"\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=\"365\" data-end=\"593\"\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=\"595\" data-end=\"598\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"622\"\u003eArtwork Description\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"624\" data-end=\"1011\"\u003eThis artwork portrays Nakai Otsuyu, a character from the play \u003cem data-start=\"686\" data-end=\"717\"\u003eYomononishiki Kokyō no Tabiji\u003c\/em\u003e, performed at the Kiriza Theater in August of the sixth year of Kansei (1794). The play is a heartrending episode derived from \u003cem data-start=\"845\" data-end=\"888\"\u003eShinmachi Idutsuya Chūbei’s Secret Scroll\u003c\/em\u003e, known as a moving piece within the puppet play tradition. Otsuyu appears in the scene in which Chūbei’s secret is sealed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1013\" data-end=\"1411\"\u003eAmong the ōban-sized works of Sharaku’s second series, this painting stands out as one of the finest examples. The composition is constructed through the arrangement of multiple triangular forms, producing a distinctive sense of three-dimensional beauty. The lines are rendered with remarkable naturalness, creating depth and volume that reveal Sharaku’s artistic richness and structural awareness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1780\"\u003eThe color scheme harmoniously combines a crimson kimono with a black collar and belt, accented by a yellow pattern set against a black ground. The light blue collar of the undergarment and the pale blue apron further enhance the balance of tones. These carefully coordinated colors create both weight and refinement, contributing to the overall elegance of the image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1782\" data-end=\"2233\"\u003eMatsumoto Yonesaburō was born as the child of Yoshizawa Ayame IV and later joined the troupe of Matsumoto Kōshirō IV, adopting the name Matsumoto Yonesaburō. He was highly popular as a young onnagata and was regarded as one of a celebrated trio alongside Nakayama Tomisaburō and Iwai Kumesaburō. He passed away in March of the second year of Bunka. Sharaku had previously depicted Yonesaburō in the first series of large half-length portraits as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2235\" data-end=\"2238\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2240\" data-end=\"2250\"\u003eEdition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2252\" data-end=\"2320\"\u003e1968 woodblock reprint\u003cbr data-start=\"2274\" data-end=\"2277\"\u003eHand printed using traditional techniques\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2322\" data-end=\"2394\"\u003eThis is a mid 20th century reprint after Sharaku’s original 1794 design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2396\" data-end=\"2399\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2401\" data-end=\"2413\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2415\" data-end=\"2511\"\u003eGood impression with vibrant colors.\u003cbr data-start=\"2451\" data-end=\"2454\"\u003eFaint soiling and small thinned area consistent with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2513\" data-end=\"2516\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2518\" data-end=\"2528\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2530\" data-end=\"2652\"\u003eSignature: Toshusai Sharaku\u003cbr data-start=\"2557\" data-end=\"2560\"\u003eDate: 1968\u003cbr data-start=\"2570\" data-end=\"2573\"\u003eJapanese Woodblock Print\u003cbr data-start=\"2597\" data-end=\"2600\"\u003ePrint size: 30 x 15 cm\u003cbr data-start=\"2622\" data-end=\"2625\"\u003eBacking sheet: 42 x 30 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2654\" data-end=\"2704\"\u003eAll artworks are sold as shown in the photographs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2706\" data-end=\"2709\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2711\" data-end=\"2738\"\u003eAbout the Sharaku Series\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2740\" data-end=\"2904\"\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=\"2906\" data-end=\"3061\"\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=\"3063\" data-end=\"3246\"\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":46180474716460,"sku":"","price":24999.0,"currency_code":"ISK","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/6205\/5724\/files\/3-6_Kumano_project_2023042513971_1.jpg?v=1707499851","url":"https:\/\/kumano.is\/products\/ukiyoe-japanese-woodblock-prints-syaraku-8","provider":"Kumano.is","version":"1.0","type":"link"}