The Eighteen Kabuki Plays of Loyalty and Filial Piety - In 1941 Uchida published Sadanobu III's handsome series "The Eighteen Kabuki Plays of Loyalty and Filial Piety." In a twist on the traditional "Eighteen Kabuki Plays" made famous by the Ichikawa Danjuro line of actors, Sadanobu III chose to depict different dramas demonstrating strong loyalty and filial piety in his series. 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. The designs are finely drawn with delicate line work and attractive color, and beautifully printed by Uchida (see example of publisher's label below, not included). They are mounted to board in the traditional shikishiban format, ready for display.

Artist - Sadanobu III (1881 - 1963)

Image Size - 10 3/4" x 9 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. A couple spots, small lightly rubbed spot. Please see photos for details. Good overall.