The Eighteen Kabuki PLays of Loyalty and Filial Piety - Fantastic boxed set of "The Eighteen Kabuki Plays of Loyalty and Filial Piety" by Sadanobu III, published by Uchida in 1941. In a twist on the traditional "Eighteen Kabuki Plays" made famous by the Ichikawa Danjuro line of actors, Sadanobu III has chosen to depict different dramas demonstrating strong loyalty and filial piety. Examples include the samurai triplets from "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami," one of whom repaid a debt of gratitude to his sponsor by sacrificing his own son. In the play commonly known as "Meiboku Sendai Hagi," the loyal nursemaid Masaoka watched her own son be killed to protect the young heir to the date clan, who was under her care. And most appropriately, "The Kanadehon Chushingura" shows Yuranosuke, the leader of the famous 47 ronin, at the moment that he vows to avenge his master's death. Please note that this set is missing four prints. The designs are finely drawn with delicate line work and attractive color, and beautifully printed.
This Boxed Set - This handsome set includes 14 woodblock prints mounted to board in the square shikishiban format. Two tables of contents in the shikishiban format are also included. The set is presented in a wooden box edged with gold paper, with a brocade cloth covered lid. A bottom board with attached woven cords lifts the stack of prints out easily from the wooden box. A cloth outer slipcase encloses the lidded box. Each print has a seal on the reverse, and the bottom board features a paper label with the Uchida Publisher information and date in Japanese, Showa 16 (1941). A terrific opportunity to purchase a first edition set of woodblocks of these beloved kabuki subjects. Later editions of these Sadanobu subjects are sometimes seen, but we rarely come across first edition designs like these in the original presentation format. A nice choice for a kabuki enthusiast or collector of 20th century Japanese woodblocks.
Please note: This boxed set is quite heavy. International bidders are welcome; however, there is an additional $50 charge to ship the set internationally.
Artist - Sadanobu III (1881 - 1963)
Size - Prints 10 5/8" x 9 1/2"; Overall size 11 5/8" x 10 /2" x 2 1/8"
Condition - Prints with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight toning. Some prints have a few small spots. A couple prints have creases at the corners. One print has a small loss and rubbed spot. Please note that the pigment used on some subjects has oxidized to a gray tone. Box has small losses to gold paper. Slipcase has soiling, wear and fraying at edges. Please see photos for details. .
Complete Set
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