Ippitsusai Buncho

fl. ca. 1755-90

Otani Hiroji III as III as Kudo Suketsune

the actor identified by the shimazumon, holding katana and fan; from the play Shuen Soga Omugaeshi performed at the Ichimura theatre 1/1768; signed Ippitsusai Buncho ga, with collector's seal of Wakai Kenzaburo, ca. 1768

hosoban 12 3/4 by 5 5/8 in., 32.5 by 14.2 cm

The story of the brave young men was celebrated and expanded in literature, drama and art. By the Edo Period it was one of the most popular kabuki themes; it was so reliable by the late 18th century all three major kabuki theaters in Edo would stage a version of the Soga Monogatari simultaneously for the New Year performance. Although individual productions would vary somewhat, the basic storyline and the iconography of the major characters was established: Soga no Goro was usually identified by a butterfly pattern on his robes; Soga no Juro by chidori (plovers); and the villian, Kudo Suketsune, was identified by his iori-mokko mon ('bird's nest in a hut' crest).

(inv. no. 10-0952)

price: Sold