The Heroine Osai, 1923

by Kiyokata Kaburagi (1886 - 1972)

Current Status

The Heroine Osai, 1923 by Kiyokata Kaburagi (1886 - 1972)

Original Kiyokata Kaburagi (1886 - 1972) Japanese Woodblock Print
The Heroine Osai, 1923

Series; The Complete Works of Chikamatsu Monzaemon, First Edition, circa 1922 - 1926

The Complete Works of Chikamatsu Manzaemon - Published between 1922 and 1926, "The Complete Works of Chikamatsu Manzaemon" illustrates the works of the famous playwright Chikamatsu Manzaemon (1653 - 1725), considered one of Japan's greatest dramatists. He authored more than 100 plays, mainly for the bunraku puppet theater, including historical romances and domestic tragedies, often based on true events. Many of these popular tales were adapted for kabuki theater and are still performed today.

This beautiful series consists of 18 prints by leading artists of the Taisho era, including two important female painters, Shima Seien (1892-1970) and Uemura Shoen (1875-1949).  From mysterious ghosts and poignant beauties to fierce deities and heroic warriors, each illustrates one of Chikamatsu's most memorable characters. Exquisitely carved by Yamagishi Kazue and expertly printed by Nishimura Kumakichi, many include deluxe printing techniques such as embossing, metallic flecks, mica, and hand-applied gofun pigment.

We are excited to offer an incredible group of prints from "The Complete Works of Chikamatsu Manzaemon," including the most desirable and sought-after designs. Considered one of the greatest Japanese shin-hanga series, these fantastic first edition designs are a wonderful choice for a collector. We've seen images from this series offered elsewhere online for more than $1,500. Don't miss this opportunity to collect a beautiful, first edition print from this timeless and treasured series. 

The Heroine Osai, 1923 - Beautiful portrait of the heroine Osai in the play "Yari no Gonza Kansane Katabira." The wife of a tea ceremony teacher, she agrees to give secret tea lessons to the handsome young man Gonza in return for his promising to marry her young daughter. During their late-night meeting, she learns that another woman is in love with him and has given him an obi as a token of her love. She takes the obi from him, and in a fit of anger, she removes her own sash and throws it at him, the height of impropriety. Spies watching outside catch the obi as it falls out the window, and now that the pair is compromised they will be accused of adultery, which is punishable by death. This image shows her holding the blue sash given to Gonza by his lover, yet she smiles sweetly, looking over her shoulder with a tender expression of affection. Her hair is pulled back into a knot adorned with a comb, a few loose wisps framing her face. A lovely shin hanga beauty subject.

Artist - Kiyokata Kaburagi (1886 - 1972)

Image Size - 9 1/2" x 13" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail. A few spots and marks, a few creases at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

The Heroine Osai, 1923 by Kiyokata Kaburagi (1886 - 1972)
The Heroine Osai, 1923 by Kiyokata Kaburagi (1886 - 1972)

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