Iwai Kumesaburo III as Seigen and Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Sota, 1860

by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Current Status

Iwai Kumesaburo III as Seigen and Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Sota, 1860  by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Original Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864) Japanese Woodblock Print
Iwai Kumesaburo III as Seigen and Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Sota, 1860

Series; Comparisons of Lovers, a Collection of Ballads

Comparisons of Lovers, a Collection of Ballads - Handsome double portrait from a Toyokuni III series pairing famous kabuki couples with "hauta," love songs that were popular during the Edo era. Each design features two expressive figures in moods ranging from happy or sad to angry or worried. The clothing and accessories are beautifully detailed, and some prints include deluxe publishing techniques such as embossing or burnishing. The title cartouche takes the form of a book in an upper corner, with the text of the ballad above the figures. An interesting design from this seldom seen series.

Iwai Kumesaburo III as Seigen and Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Sota, 1860 - Attractive kabuki portrait of the Iwai Kumesaburo III and Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as the as nun Seigen and the boatman Sota from the play commonly known as "Onna Seigen." Seigen smiles happily up at her companion, wearing a black monk's mantle over her gray robe, a bundle tied around her shoulders for traveling. She carries a hat and a walking stick. Sota stares down at her with a frown as he grips a bamboo pole for moving his boat along. He falls in love with her, but as a nun, she resists him, which leads to her tragic death. An intriguing image from a rarely seen series. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Faint spotting in subject and soiling along edges. Lightly toned throughout with minor remnants from previous backing on reverse. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

Iwai Kumesaburo III as Seigen and Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Sota, 1860  by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)
Iwai Kumesaburo III as Seigen and Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Sota, 1860  by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

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