"Twenty-Four Paragons of Filial Piety" by Utagawa Kunimasa IV
Item Details
An original 1894 Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock triptych titled ‘Twenty-Four Paragons of Filial Piety’ (本朝廿四孝 Honchō Nijūshikō) depicting a scene from a Kabuki play of the same name, by Japanese printmaker Utagawa Kunimasa IV (四代歌川国政, 1848-1920). This Kabuki play is a rendition of the ancient Confucian classic which teaches respect for one’s parents. From left to right, the character and actor’s name are listed in cartouches as follows: Sawamura Tosshō (澤村討舛) playing Harashō Bunji
(原小文治), Ichimura Kakitsu (市村家橘) depicting Sarashina Rokurō ( 更科六郎), Bandō Shūchō (坂東秀調) depicting Hōmoto Nureginu (ホー元濡衣), Nakamura Fukusuke (中村福助) portraying Takeda Katsuyori (武田勝頼), and lastly Onoe Kikugorō (尾上菊五郎) playing Princess Yaegaki (八重垣姫). The group of kabuki actors is depicted in bright, ornate robes. The background that fades from mountain landscape to screened interior. The artist’s ‘Ōju Kōchōrō’ (應需 香朝楼 筆) is printed in the upper left corner with a toshidama seal alongside a publisher’s seal which includes the date (Meiji 27 = 1894). The print is presented without matting or framing, awaiting your choice of presentation.
Condition
- ripping to upper corners. Large chunk missing from crease between left and center portions of image. A long rip has been repaired to upper right. Light discoloration across.
Dimensions
- above is measured when folded. When opened, piece measures 28.5" W x 14" H.
Item #
16CIN342-137
