The artworks displayed on JAODB are not for sale
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| Notes (1st edition) | ||
| Publisher (this edition): | Not Set | Not Set |
| Date of this item: | c1923 | c1923 |
| Notes (this edition) These notes were written by the original owner/seller/auctioner of the item and may be inaccurate.: | Artist: Yamaguchi, Sohei (1882-1961) Series: Publisher Nishimura Kumakichi Title or Subject: Chikamatsu Series Signature or Seal: Signature and seal Date or Circa: Not dated (1923) Paper Size: 16 3/4 x 10 1/2 inches Impression/Color/Condition: Good/Good/Good Description: Foxing, light toning, light wear and soiling |
This fine study of an actor is illustrated in "The New Wave. 20th.c. Prints from the Robert O Mueller Collection". Plate 207. We have shown the entry from this book. Please read the text in the photos which gives details of the print and artist. Since the book was published it has been discovered that the series is "Dai Chikamatsu Zenshu" (The Great Collection of Works by Chikamatsu). Chikamatsu Monzaemon (1653-1724) is often referred to as the Shakespeare of Japan. He is known to have written 97 drama of which 74 are historical. Many Japanese would be very familiar with the plays. None of the prints in the series has titles, most just have the names of the block cutter and the printer in the bottom margin. It is probable that the prints were sold in folders which carried relevant text. The printing is superb, the line across the face is a single strand of hair! The print is in perfect condition, no damage, no repairs and no fading. The paper used on all this series is a deeper tone than usual. The prints are larger than the usual oban size at 17 7/8 x 11 1/2 ins. (45.5 x 29 cms). It was just a little too long for our scanner and the photo does not show 1/2 in of the top margin. |