The Grand Opening of Kawarazaki-za Theater, 1874

by Hiroshige III (1843 - 1894)

Current Status

The Grand Opening of Kawarazaki-za Theater, 1874 by Hiroshige III (1843 - 1894)

Original Hiroshige III (1843 - 1894) Japanese Woodblock Print
The Grand Opening of Kawarazaki-za Theater, 1874

Comments - Terrific view of a procession celebrating the grand opening of the Kawarazaki-za Theater in Tokyo in 1874. Men wearing blue robes with writing on them and black pants fill the street, carrying lanterns high. In the foreground, crowds of men and woman are gathered along the edge of the road, chatting as they wait for the opening. Other patrons watch excitedly from the balconies of the fine Western-style stone building with glass windows stretching across the background. The Kawarazaki-za was destroyed during an earthquake in 1855 during the Ansei Earthquake, and not reopened until July 1874. Sadly, the theater was sold the next year to investors who renamed it, and went bankrupt and closed in 1877.A great illustration of this historic event in kabuki theater. We've never seen this subject before.

Artist - Hiroshige III (1843 - 1894)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight paper remnants on reverse from previous backing. A few holes and small thinning spots, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases, a few stains. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

The Grand Opening of Kawarazaki-za Theater, 1874 by Hiroshige III (1843 - 1894)
The Grand Opening of Kawarazaki-za Theater, 1874 by Hiroshige III (1843 - 1894)

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