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 Tora Gozen - Lovely image of the young beauty Tora gozen or Lady Tora in the play "Soga," one of the many tales about the revenge of the Soga Brothers. Here, she creeps beneath the tent wall of Suketsune's encampment with a lamp in her hand, frowning unhappily. Her kimono is a patchwork of tie-dyed fabrics and a pattern of curving grasses, tied with a checked obi, and her long hair falls sleekly over her shoulders. Suketsune's crest is emblazened on the cloth privacy panel at right. A striking design with beautiful cloth embossing on the cloth panel and fine bokashi shading.
Artist - Ishikawa Toraji (1875 - 1964)
Image Size - 8 3/4" x 15" + margins as shown
Condition - Excellent color and detail. A couple small stains, a few small marks.
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