Matsumoto Koshiro IV as Banzui Chobei and Ichikawa Kokazo III as Shirai Gompachi

by Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

Current Status

Matsumoto Koshiro IV as Banzui Chobei and Ichikawa Kokazo III as Shirai Gompachi by Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

Hokusai (1760 - 1849) Japanese Woodblock Reprint
Matsumoto Koshiro IV as Banzui Chobei and Ichikawa Kokazo III as Shirai Gompachi

Publisher - Adachi from a rare series of Edo masterwork designs. Adachi publisher seal in margin or on reverse.

Adachi was one of the most respected publishers of the 20th century. Their woodblocks were printed to the highest standards with excellent color and fine detail. Founded in 1925, Adachi also chose interesting and varied subjects for their prints and was the only publisher of many famous old ukiyo-e images.

Comments - Handsome kabuki diptych from the play commonly known as "Suzu-ga-Mori" featuring Matsumoto Koshiro IV as the otokodate Banzui Chobei and Ichikawa Kokazo III as murderer Shirai Gompachi. The pair meets when Chobei's palanquin stops at "Suzu-ga-Mori," the old execution grounds outside Edo. As he emerges from the palanquin, he sees Gompachi fighting with a group of men trying to capture him for the reward money. Here, Chobei stands at left, a lantern hanging from his teeth as he leans forward, his hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to draw if necessary. At right, Shirai Gompachi looks at the famous flute Dai-suiryu, which he holds carefully wrapped in a red cloth, a scowl on his face. He holds his sword in the other hand. The figures are places against a stone wall. A fine kabuki design from Hokusai's early period, signed under the name Shunro, and rarely seen complete as a diptych.

Artist - Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

Image Size - 12 1/2" x 11 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - Two separate panels. Excellent overall with no issues to report.

Matsumoto Koshiro IV as Banzui Chobei and Ichikawa Kokazo III as Shirai Gompachi by Hokusai (1760 - 1849)
Matsumoto Koshiro IV as Banzui Chobei and Ichikawa Kokazo III as Shirai Gompachi by Hokusai (1760 - 1849)
Matsumoto Koshiro IV as Banzui Chobei and Ichikawa Kokazo III as Shirai Gompachi by Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

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