Théâtre

1892 · 218409 — 東京. Tokyo.: 福田熊治良. Fukuda Kumajiro. Meiji 25 1892. Three colour woodblock prints a triptych panels loose each 24 x 35.4cm Japanese text in red identifying the actors and in yellow identifying the roles in the upper left of two panels and program title in the top right of the third panel further text within in a red fish-shape in the lower right of the third panel some offsetting of red ink on the first panel but not affecting the main image slivers of affixing tape to the verso of each print some surface wear and abrasion mainly to the verso but the three images in very good bright condition. Dramatic depiction of the famous Kabuki actors Onoe Kikugorō V 1844-1903 as Yosaburô and Onoe Matsusuke IV 1843-1928 playing the role of Kômori Yasu in the 1892 staging of "Yowa Nasake Ukina no Yokogushi" commonly called "Kirare Yosa". <br> <br>Images such as these were collected by Kabuki fans of the day who bought woodblocks of their favourite actors and then had the prints made up into albums so that they could be enjoyed much in the way poster books and other fan memorabilia of famous movie stars is enjoyed today. <br> <br>The artist Toyohara Kunichika 1835-1900 was acclaimed as one of "The Three Greats of Meiji Ukiyo-e". Many stories surround him including his boast that he had moved 100 times which appears unlikely but this claim combined with his hard drinking womanising lifestyle and overall "live for the day" attitude all contributed to his colourful reputation. His work was very popular during his lifetime with his use of bright imported chemical dyes and his technique of focussing the image on the actors face combining to make up his individual style. see 'Time Present and Time Past: Images of a Forgotten Master' by Amy Reigle Newland. <br> <br>From the collection of the late John Caiger lecturer in Asian studies ANU. . 福田熊治良. [Fukuda Kumajiro]. unknown