Six flowers in full bloom (Begonias) - Paper - Kunisada/Hiroshige - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)

Series: Six Flowers in Full Bloom
Hiroshige (1797–1858) and Kunisada (1786–1865)

See:
https://ukiyo-e.org/image/waseda/006-3713

https://collections.mfa.org/objects/476350

Theme of the print:
A series of six prints from 1854, each showing a flower and Kabuki actors. Hiroshige drew the flowers and the background, Kunisada depicted the Kabuki actors.
The six flowers depicted are: Begonia, Hydrangea, Iris, Morning Glory (Bindweed), Hibiscus, Lily.
In the background of the print there is a begonia sprig drawn by Hiroshige (which is known for numerous prints of flowers (and fish)), and in the foreground two Kabuki actors are shown, with the man offering sake to the lady Sake.
On the left side:
Bando Shuka I. (1813–1855) used this name from 1839 to 1854, and Bando Shuka IV. practiced from 1864 to 1873 and was the last of his line. He was an exceptional Onnagata (performer of female roles), known for the clarity of his expression and his acting technique. Together with Ichikawa Danjuro VIII, who played male roles, he was the most famous actor from 1840 to 1854.

Right:
Nakayama Ichizo I (1800-1873), better known as Bando Hikosaburo IV, was an actor who played male roles and distinguished himself by his dancing skills.
Note the many details:
On the sake cask is a label that reads “Name of Sake” with a chrysanthemum, and beneath it the name of the sake.
The rich colors of the leaves
The details on the man’s kimono and obi (belt)

Seal:
Signatures: Hiroshige top right and Toyokuni in Toshidama left.
Censorship: top right Aratame (checked) and below the sixth month of the year 1854.
Publisher: Kinshodo (Ebisuya Shoshichi): began operations in 1846, but in the 1850s was one of the leading publishers. He acquired Kawaguchiya Shozo in 1852 and remained active until 1883.