{"product_id":"meiji-1879-ukiyo-e-hamamatsu-jo-kiroku-kikigaki-kabuki-scene-by-toyohara-kunichika-approximately-37x75cm","title":"Meiji 1879 Ukiyo-e \"Hamamatsu-jō Kiroku Kikigaki\" Kabuki Scene by Toyohara Kunichika (Approximately 37X75CM)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"159\" data-end=\"497\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eGood antique condition. A backing was added at some point in the past. There is minor insect damage to the corners that is only noticeable upon close inspection. The colors remain vivid, and the printed lines are sharp. There is no apparent moisture damage. Some age-related creasing is present but could be largely concealed when framed.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"499\" data-end=\"823\"\u003eThis original woodblock triptych was designed in 1879 (Meiji 12) by \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eToyohara Kunichika\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and published by Fukuda Kumajirō. Titled \u003cem data-start=\"646\" data-end=\"695\"\u003eMeiji Shinkyōgen – Hamamatsu-jō Kiroku Kikigaki\u003c\/em\u003e (明治新狂言 濱松城記録聞書), it illustrates a dramatic supernatural scene from one of the new Kabuki productions of the early Meiji period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"1209\"\u003eThe composition centers on the ghostly figure Okuyama Hansōbō, who emerges surrounded by swirling flames and spirits in a spectacular display of supernatural power. Bantō Kiroku recoils in terror before the apparition, while Oryō flees the advancing flames. Kunichika's expressive faces, dramatic poses, and brilliant colors capture the excitement of the stage at its most theatrical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1211\" data-end=\"1561\"\u003eThe actor cartouches identify \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eIchikawa Sadanji I\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e performing the roles of Okuyama Hansōbō and Bantō Kiroku, while \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eIchikawa Danjūrō IX\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e appears as Ukio no Yonezō. These celebrated performers were among the leading stars of Meiji-period Kabuki, and Kunichika documented many of their most important stage appearances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1563\" data-end=\"1940\"\u003eDuring the Meiji era, Kabuki productions increasingly relied on elaborate stage effects, including colored smoke, swirling flames, ghosts, and magical transformations. Kunichika became renowned for translating these spectacular performances into vividly colored woodblock prints, preserving the atmosphere of productions that could otherwise only be experienced in the theatre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1942\" data-end=\"2167\"\u003eAn outstanding Meiji-period Kabuki triptych, combining supernatural imagery, legendary performers, and the dramatic visual style that established Kunichika as the greatest designer of actor prints in nineteenth-century Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Echoes of Edo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49280188809475,"sku":null,"price":15000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0811\/5965\/1587\/files\/IMG_7262.jpg?v=1784262474","url":"https:\/\/echoesofedo.com\/products\/meiji-1879-ukiyo-e-hamamatsu-jo-kiroku-kikigaki-kabuki-scene-by-toyohara-kunichika-approximately-37x75cm","provider":"Echoes of Edo","version":"1.0","type":"link"}