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Subject:Interesting Japanese Prints (Triptych) of Samurai
Posted By: Cliff N. Tue, Nov 26, 2019 IP: 74.98.231.232

Hi,

Hoping that someone recognizes this scene or artist, or can help translate the writing - these are not in great shape but seem to be 19th Century, and have nice colors. Thanks!

Best,
Cliff



Subject:Re: Interesting Japanese Prints (Triptych) of Samurai
Posted By: Tom Wed, Nov 27, 2019

Utagawa Kunisada III
Genji Samurai Warriors on Mt. Ishibashi

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Subject:Re: Interesting Japanese Prints (Triptych) of Samurai
Posted By: Stan Wed, Nov 27, 2019

The artist is Kunisada III and the subject of the kabuki play is Genji Samurai Warriors on Mt. Ishibashi and it was printed circa 1890. All 4 of the actors are Ichikawa (sombody). I. Nagy will be able to provide more details. The colors are very faded. See the link below to see what they originally looked like.

Cheers,
Stan

URL Title :Genji Samurai Warriors


Subject:Re: Interesting Japanese Prints (Triptych) of Samurai
Posted By: Stan Thu, Nov 28, 2019

Using the Japanese to English translator, I found the following information:

The play is 石橋山源氏旗揚 “Genji Ishibashi flag” performed November 1893 (Meiji 26) at Meijiza Theater. The actors/roles from left to right are:

1) Ichikawa Yonezo/Enpei Tohi
2) Ichikawa Sandaji/Goro Kanno
3) Ichikawa Gonjuro/Sanada Yoichi
4) Ichikawa Sabunji/Arashi Noriomi Sanada

See the link below:

Japanese:

https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/collections/view_detail_nishikie?division=collections&class=nishikie&type=actor&ikana=%25E3%2581%2584%25E3%2581%25A1%25E3%2581%258B%25E3%2582%258F+%25E3%2581%2595%25E3%2581%25B6%25E3%2582%2593%25E3%2581%2598&ititle=%25E5%25B8%2582%25E5%25B7%259D+%25E5%25B7%25A6%25E6%2596%2587%25E6%25AC%25A1&istart=all&iselect=%25E3%2581%2584&rid=4001213&pid=1&trace=result&trace=detail&did=890

English Translation:

https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/dglib/collections/search_each%3Fdivision%3Dcollections%26class%3Dnishikie%26type%3Dactor%26ikana%3D%2525E3%252581%252584%2525E3%252581%2525A1%2525E3%252581%25258B%2525E3%252582%25258F%2B%2525E3%252581%252595%2525E3%252581%2525B6%2525E3%252582%252593%2525E3%252581%252598%26ititle%3D%2525E5%2525B8%252582%2525E5%2525B7%25259D%2B%2525E5%2525B7%2525A6%2525E6%252596%252587%2525E6%2525AC%2525A1%26istart%3Dall%26iselect%3D%2525E3%252581%252584%26rid%3D4001213%26pid%3D1%26trace%3Dresult&prev=search

This leads me to this listing under the Kabuki 21 page (scroll down to November 1893):

http://www.kabuki21.com/meijiza.php

This appears to have been the first play performed after the Chitoseza theater was destroyed by fire in 1890, rebuilt, and renamed to the Meijiza in 1893.

Cheers,
Stan

Subject:Re: Interesting Japanese Prints (Triptych) of Samurai
Posted By: Stan Fri, Nov 29, 2019

Just to put this research in better context. The results from the online Japanese to English translator are mediocre at best. I find the translator is poor on names. The name of the play is in the Kabuki 21 information ("Ishibashiyama Genji no Hataage"). My guess is the translator didn't get all the Ichikawa names quite right. It's the best I can do with no Japanese language skills.

Your print is the equicvalent of a modern day circus poster. Copies were displayed around town advertising the play and its stars.

Cheers,
Stan

Subject:Re: Interesting Japanese Prints (Triptych) of Samurai
Posted By: Stan Wed, Nov 27, 2019

Below is the description from this link:

https://www.alamy.com/1890s-japan-japanese-woodblock-print-genji-samurai-in-battle-ukiyoe-woodblock-triptych-of-samurai-in-battle-by-utagawa-kunisada-iii-18481920-titled-genji-samurai-warriors-on-mt-ishibashi-published-in-1893-meiji-26-the-battle-of-ishibashiyama-was-fought-on-september-14-1180-near-odawara-kanagawa-prefecture-19th-century-vintage-ukiyoe-woodblock-print-image259534285.html

Ukiyoe woodblock triptych of samurai in battle by Utagawa Kunisada III (1848–1920), titled Genji Samurai Warriors on Mt. Ishibashi (石橋山源氏旗揚), published in 1893 (Meiji 26). The Battle of Ishibashiyama was fought on September 14, 1180 near Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture. 19th century vintage Ukiyoe woodblock print.

Cheers,
Stan

Subject:Re: Interesting Japanese Prints (Triptych) of Samurai
Posted By: Cliff N. Wed, Nov 27, 2019

Here's a closeup of what might be the publisher or artist information - not sure!



Subject:Re: Interesting Japanese Prints (Triptych) of Samurai
Posted By: Cliff N. Wed, Nov 27, 2019

I think I solved this one:

Artist:Utagawa Kunisada III
Title:Genji Samurai Warriors on Mt. Ishibashi
Date:Ca. 1880-90s.


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