Image not available
1806-1864
72.47.91
Not currently on view
No measurement details.
Gift of Mrs. Kate Kiser Klein
色操廓文章, featuring Sawamura Gennosuke 澤村源之助, Ichikawa Danjūrō VII 市川団十郎 and Segawa Kikunojō IV瀬川菊之丞
Danjūrō VII, on the far right, one of the most renowned actors of his time, was also the actor most portrayed by Kunisada. Danjūrō's huge fanbase, which included many wealthy members of the merchant class, provided Kunisada with a rich source of patronage. In 1842 Danjūrō was exiled from Edo because the authorities considered his productions too elaborate and his lifestyle too flamboyant, and he was, therefore, a bad role model for the public. He returned in triumph seven years later.
The motif of plank bridges and irises on the background curtains refers to the courtesan's name, Yatsuhashi. Details like the wonderful kimono pattern of pine, bamboo and plum (shōchikubai), and the exquisite design on the obi, or sash, enrich the bold composition. Despite their less-than-perfect condition, the prints are still a pleasure to behold.
The noticeable brown spots on the paper are called "foxing." The exact causes are unknown, but it may have been caused by a fungus. Foxing detracts from the beauty of the print, but treatments such as bleaching could cause even greater damage to the paper. Other condition problems here include insect damage, and fading due to light exposure. The print on the left is better preserved, indicating it came from a different source than the others. The pattern of foxing, however, reveals that it occurred after the prints were joined.
Signed Gototei Kunisada ga
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