Utagawa Yoshitaki
1841 ~ 1899Utagawa Yoshitaki, also known as Nakai Yoshitaki, was one of the most prolific ukiyo-e artists active in Osaka during the late Edo and early Meiji periods.
Born into the family of a paste merchant, he began studying under Utagawa Yoshiume at around the age of twelve, and his earliest known prints date from approximately 1854.
Yoshitaki produced a remarkably large body of work, consisting predominantly of chūban-format yakusha-e portraying actors and scenes from contemporary kabuki performances.
Together with Hirosada, he is regarded as one of the leading designers of Osaka actor prints during the nineteenth century. Although theatre subjects dominated his production,
he also created bijin-ga, warrior pictures, landscapes, illustrated newspapers, advertisements, and paintings of women, occasionally working in formats larger than the chūban
traditionally associated with Osaka printmaking.
Against night-blue mica backdrops, the brothers Matsuōmaru (upper) and Umeōmaru (lower) stand before the gate of Sugawara`s mansion, foreshadowing the celebrated “Kurumabiki” scene of Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami Act 3.
The story is inspired by the life of Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真), a Heian-period court noble who was falsely accused of conspiracy and later exiled to Kyūshū. In the play, the fictional triplets Matsuōmaru, Umeōmaru, and their brother
Sakuramaru play significant roles, symbolising loyalty and devotion to Michizane.
USD$ 177.00
Sagisaka Bannai, the foppish and buffoonish retainer of Moronō, is shown mid-motion, dressed in a flamboyant red robe adorned with
cranes and bamboo.
This scene, from Chūshingura Act 3, captures the moment before En`ya Hangan is humiliated by Moronō, setting the stage for the vendetta.
Yoshitaki emphasises Bannai`s exaggerated posture and expression, highlighting the comic tone he brings to an otherwise solemn act.
USD$ 99.00
The kabuki actor Kataoka Matsutarō portrays the onnagata (a male actor specialising in female roles) character Chūrō Onoe, likely from a kabuki
play titled Kagami-yama.
This print may belong to a larger composition, such as a diptych or triptych, a common format in Yoshitaki`s body of work.
The actor`s and character`s names are displayed in the blue cartouche at the top left corner. The publisher`s seal appears in the bottom left corner, while the
artist`s signature, Yoshitaki, is positioned on the opposite side.
USD$ 79.00
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The kabuki actor Arashi Rikan playing the role of a warrior.
Hyōmenzuri (表面摺り), the technique of rubbing the front side of the print with the baren has been used for enriching the aspect of this print. It gives a lacquered-like
effect that can be observed backlight.
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This Japanese woodblock print diptych vividly captures a scene from kabuki a theater drama, featuring two actors in elaborate traditional costumes. On the right, the actor Jitsukawa Enjaku I portrays Tsunayoshi, seated in a dignified pose with a focused expression.
His costume is richly decorated in blue and green tones, adorned with intricate patterns that convey his noble character. On the left, Nakamura Fukusuke III plays Osame no Kata, shown in a more dynamic pose as she leans forward, holding a fan, dressed in a vibrant red kimono
patterned with floral and geometric motifs. The background and props, such as the traditional Japanese screens and pine tree, enhance the historical and cultural setting of the play, emphasizing the artistry and attention to detail characteristic of ukiyo-e prints from this era.
The overall composition beautifully illustrates the theatricality and color of kabuki performances, capturing the essence of the characters and the dramatic tension of the scene.
USD$ 145.00
