Archive: Sadamasu 貞升 (later called Kunimasu 國升)

(1R) Nakamura Baigyoku (Utaemon III) as Tsujkaze Hachibei; (2R) Arashi Rikan II as Ushiwaka Saburô; (3R) Nakamura Shikan II as Inaba Tarô; and (4R) Iwai Shijaku as Inaba in a mitate (imaginary performance)

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No artist seal

Tenki (Tenmaya Kihei: 天満屋喜兵衞)

1/1835

Format:
(H x W)

Oban tetraptych nishiki-e
35.7 x 105.5 cm

Very good (metallics simulating silver and gold; blind printing (karazuri)

Very good color; very good condition (slight trimming on top)

SOLD
Inquiry (Ref #KMS01)

Background

We have not verified the kabuki play or legend that inspired this design. The ideograms for mitate are written at the top of each cartouche, indicating imaginary performances (actors who had not actually played the particular roles together in a stage production of the story).

Design

One of the spectacular polyptych designs in Osaka printmaking, offered here in an unusually well-preserved impression.

Ushiwaka Saburô holds a long bow as he subdues a giant eagle. To his left stands Tsujkaze Hachibei with a huge axe, while to his right Inaba Tarô brandishes a sword. On his far right Inaba holds a torch aloft while wrestling an adversary to the ground.

References: IKBYS-III, no. 111; TWOP, cat. no. 245