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Archive: Masunobu (升信); earlier name Kiyosada (清貞)

Description:
(R) Jitsukawa Ensaburô as Jûrô Sukenari, (L) Kaaoka Gadô II as Gorô Tokimune in an unidentified play
Signature:
Masunobu (升信)
Seals:
No artist seal
Publisher:
Ma (マ), Hôgyokudô (寳玉堂)
Date:
c. 1848-49
Format:
(H x W)
Chûban diptych nishiki-e
25.0 x 35.2 cm
Impression:
Excellent deluxe edition with metallics
Condition:
Excellent color and very good condition, unbacked; Left sheet: album crease and glue residue in right margin, glue streaks on blue garment and below signature, other minor marks
Price (USD/¥):
SOLD

Inquiry: MSN02

Comments:
Background

Masunobu (升信) was a student of Sadamasu (Kunimasu). He used the (art name) Ittôsai and was active for only a brief period, c. 1849-1853. His earlier art name was Kiyosada (清貞).

This diptych may be a mitate-e ("likening pictures" or analogues: 見立絵), used to denote portraits of actors who had not actually performed in the roles or with the other actors shown in the composition. The roles identified on the prints suggest the theatrical context is a Soga monogatari (Tale of the Soga: 曾我物語), a recounting of the revenge taken by the brothers Soga no Jûrô and Soga no Gorô against Kudô Suketsune, who murdered their father in 1193.).

References: OSP, no. 207