300 - Shunkosai Hokushu (active circa 1810–1832)

Shunkosai Hokushu (active circa 1810–1832) The actor Nakamura Utaemon III in the role of Osono in his farewell performance (Issei ichidai) A beautiful portrait of an actor by Shunkosai Hokushu commemorating the farewell performance (Issei Ichidai) of the star Nakamura Utaemon III in the female role of Osono. The figure is depicted in a realistic interior scene, stoking the fire in the stove with a bamboo bellows (fukidake). The monumental calligraphy of the inscription “Issei Ichidai” adds to the solemnity of the work. Woodblock print Signed: “Shunkôsai Hokushû ga” on the print at the bottom Period: Edo (1828 – Bunsei 8) Publisher: Rishin Format: Oban tate-e Fresh colors. Minor losses. Stains. Small fraying along the lower edge. Partially glued to the next sheet. Artist: Shunkosai Hokushu (active circa 1810–1832) The actor Nakamura Matsue III in the role of Shizuka no Mae (right panel of a diptych) A beautiful portrait of an actor in a female role (onnagata), depicting Nakamura Matsue III as the tragic heroine Shizuka no Mae. The richness of the fabrics, the character’s slightly bent posture, and the tightly framed composition emphasize the theatrical quality of the scene. Woodblock print Signed: “Shunkôsai Hokushû ga” on the print at the bottom Period: Edo (1820 – Bunsei 3) Publisher: Shohonya Seishichi (Honsei) Format: Oban tate-e Trimmed print, showing significant signs of wear: faded colors, soiling, creases, rubbing, binding holes on the left, wormholes, and missing sections. Partially glued to the previous sheet.