The Heroine Osan, circa 1923

by Saburosuke Okada (1869 - 1939)

Current Status

The Heroine Osan, circa 1923 by Saburosuke Okada (1869 - 1939)

Original Saburosuke Okada (1869 - 1939) Japanese Woodblock Print
The Heroine Osan, circa 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 Osan, circa 1923 - Lovely portrait of the young beauty Osan, the heroine from the play "Daikyoji Mukashi-goyami." After learning that her husband has been visiting their maid every night, Osan decides to teach him a lesson by trading places with the maid. Unbeknownst to her, the apprentice Mohei decides to sneak into the maid's room, and the pair only discovers their mistake too late, and end up becoming fugitives. Here, she looks over her shoulder with a wide-eyed, innocent expression, her mouth slightly open as she clasps her hands to her cheek. The design is rendered in soft tones of gray and black with fine bokashi shading and delicate line work in the face and hair. A beautiful design. Includes embossing in the white dots of the kimono pattern and the hairline of the face.

Artist - Saburosuke Okada (1869 - 1939)

Image Size - 15 1/4" x 7 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail. Slight toning, a few small spots and creases. Please see photos for details.

The Heroine Osan, circa 1923 by Saburosuke Okada (1869 - 1939)
The Heroine Osan, circa 1923 by Saburosuke Okada (1869 - 1939)

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