Background
Little is known about this artist. The illustrated book Hokusai gashiki published in Nagoya after Katsushika Hokusai's visit in 1818 lists a Shunyôsai Hokkei as one of three pupil-copyists. During the years 1813-18, he used the name Kintarô Shunyô and was counted among the artists of the early Shunkôsai Hokushû school. He later changed his name to Hokkei.
The play, which premiered in 9/1780, was based on internecine struggles occurring in 1745 over the succession for control of the Maeda clan ruling the Kaga fiefdom. Due to censorship over depicting certain historical events, theatrical dramatizations reset the sekai (world) to the sixteenth century Ashikaga period.
デラックス大判 (25.5 x 38.0 cm)
摺り、色、保存状態すべて良好。(仏教徒の腰帯の鈴に金属顔料使用。裏打ちなし。中心部縦に微かな折り目。上端部分と左右のこま絵にある虫食穴は補修済。こすりキズ少々。)