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 Matsukaze - Incredible image of the beautiful Matsukaze swimming underwater in the play "Matsukaze Murasame Sokutai Kagami." Matsukaze and her sister, Murasame, were brine carriers (salt makers) who both fell in love with the courtier Ariwara no Narihira when he was exiled to Suma. Here, she dives beneath the waves, her long hair flowing behind her as she swims past fish and corals, with a palace seen in shadowy blue in the distance. Beautiful color and fine bokashi shading capture the feeling of currents and the effects of light and shadow beneath the sea. A fantastic design from this series.
Artist - Hiromitsu Nakazawa (1874 - 1964)
Image Size - 15 1/4" x 10 5/8" + margins as shown
Condition - This print with excellent color and detail. Slight toning, light stain at edge. Please see photos for details.
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