Doing Penance beneath a Waterfall

by Sadanobu II (1848 - 1940)

Current Status

Doing Penance beneath a Waterfall by Sadanobu II (1848 - 1940)

Original Sadanobu II (1848 - 1940) Japanese Woodblock Print
Doing Penance beneath a Waterfall

Oban Kamigata-e from a Kyoyo Estate - We are pleased to offer this impressive group of oban Osaka portraits by Sadanobu II, recently acquired from a Kyoto estate. It is unusual to find them in the larger oban size as most kamigata-e were published in the smaller chuban format. A great chance to acquire a rarely seen oban kamigata-e by a well-known artist.

Kamigata-e - These woodblock prints, produced primarily in Osaka, consist mainly of actor portraits or scenes. Prints from Osaka feature a recognizable style of their own that differs from that of artists working in Edo at the same time. Featuring vibrant color, expressive figures and deluxe techniques such as burnishing or emboss

Comments - Terrific, full oban Osaka kabuki triptych depicting a pilgrim doing penance beneath a rushing waterfall as a samurai confronts him. The samurai frowns angrily as he holds up a torch, wearing a colorful print kimono over a suit of armor, a white sash tied around his forehead. The pilgrim stares back at him with an alarmed expression as water splashing over his head and shoulders. A beauty at right watches with a smile, holding a naginata with both hands. Her red robe features a chrysanthemum pattern with tie-dyed butterflies, tied with a black obi featuring yellow and purple medallions. A wonderful design with large expressive figures, beautifully detailed with embossing in the white kimono, burnishing in the armor, and vibrant colored, in a striking natural setting.

Artist - Sadanobu II (1848 - 1940)

Image Size - 14" x 27 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with thin paper. Slight toning and soiling, slight ink offsetting, a few light creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Doing Penance beneath a Waterfall by Sadanobu II (1848 - 1940)
Doing Penance beneath a Waterfall by Sadanobu II (1848 - 1940)