Kokusen'ya Kassen - A Lady in Chinese Costume

by Suisho Nishiyama (1879 - 1958)

Current Status

Kokusen'ya Kassen - A Lady in Chinese Costume by Suisho Nishiyama (1879 - 1958)

Original Suisho Nishiyama (1879 - 1958) Japanese Woodblock Print
Kokusen'ya Kassen - A Lady in Chinese Costume

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. 

Kokusen'ya Kassen - A Lady in Chinese Costume - Moving portrait of the beauty Kinshojo, pouring a cup of her own blood into the river in a scene from the play "Kokusen'ya Kassen." The warrior Watonai has traveled to China to help restore the Ming Dynasty. He seeks the assistance of his half-sister, Kinshojo, to intercede on his behalf with her husband, the general Kanki. To signal the results of the plea, Kinshojo is supposed to pour either white pigment for success, or red pigment for failure, into the river as Watonai watches for the signal outside the castle. Here, the anguished woman signals defeat with her own blood, committing suicide, unbeknownst to her half-brother. Dressed in exotic, elegant robes trimmed with ruffles, she bows her head slightly, her eyes tightly closed. Beautifully detailed with silver and gold mica on the robes and ornate headdress. A poignant image of this heroine.

Artist - Suisho Nishiyama (1879 - 1958)

Image Size - 14 5/8" x 10 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail. Slight toning. Please see photos for details.

Kokusen'ya Kassen - A Lady in Chinese Costume by Suisho Nishiyama (1879 - 1958)
Kokusen'ya Kassen - A Lady in Chinese Costume by Suisho Nishiyama (1879 - 1958)

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