KUNICHIKA . Domo no Matahei . 100 Roles of Ichikawa Danjūrō . 1897 . auth Japanese Woodblock - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)
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€ 100
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Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
Estimate € 150 - € 250
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Meiji period Japanese woodblock print by Toyohara Kunichika, titled Ichikawa Danjūrō IX as Domo no Matahei, 1897, authenticated original, 1 item, 36 × 24 cm, in excellent condition.
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Description from the seller
Artist: Toyohara Kunichika 豊原国周 (1835–1900)
Title: Ichikawa Danjūrō IX as Domo no Matahei (吃又平, "Matahei the Stutterer")
Series: Ichikawa Danjūrō Engei Hyakuban 市川団十郎演芸百番
Date: Colophon dated February, Meiji 30 (1897)
Publisher: Fukuda Kumajirō 福田熊次郎, Nihonbashi-ku, Hasegawa-chō 19, Tokyo
Block carver: Nisei Horiei 二世彫栄 (Horiei II)
Signature / seals: Signed Kunichika hitsu 國周筆 in a cartouche, with the artist's red ring seal
Format: Ōban tate-e, approx. 36 × 24 cm, full sheet with margins
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Condition
Very good colour and impression with generous margins. The paper is firm and subtle with minor toning. The print carries an album backing. Very good overall! Please check the images!
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THE PRINT
Domo no Matahei is the hero of Keisei Hangonkō (傾城反魂香), a play written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon in 1708 and later adapted for kabuki. Matahei is a gifted but poor painter with a severe stutter, and a pupil of the Tosa school master Tosa Shōgen Mitsunobu. Because of his stammer and low standing, his master refuses to grant him the Tosa artist name, while lesser pupils receive it. In despair, Matahei decides to end his life and paints a self-portrait on a stone washbasin as his final work. The portrait miraculously passes through the stone and appears on the other side. Moved by this proof of his talent, the master finally gives him the name Tosa no Matahei Mitsuoki. The scene became one of the best-loved episodes of the kabuki repertoire. Its mix of humour, pathos and triumph made it a showcase for leading actors.
The series was commissioned from Kunichika by Fukuda Kumajirō together with Gusokuya Kahei and began in 1893. Sheets were released gradually over several years, and the last designs appeared in 1903, after the artist's death. It is widely regarded as the high point of Kunichika's late work. The designs were printed with costly materials and techniques. The Honolulu Museum of Art holds an impression of this design.
Seller's Story
I've been collecting Japanese woodblock prints for quite a while now — everything from classic ukiyo-e to shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga. What started as a personal passion eventually turned into something more, and these days I source prints from auctions, galleries, and private collections across Japan and Europe.
With growing worldwide interest in Japanese woodblock prints, gallery prices have been climbing steadily. My goal is simple: offer high-quality, authentic prints at reasonable prices. I'm picky about what I sell — I look for pieces that have been stored properly, kept flat, and are free from serious foxing, stains, or damage.
I'm based in Germany, which means EU buyers won't deal with any import duties or taxes. For US buyers, original artworks under HS code 9702 are duty-free as well. And wherever you are, I pack everything carefully with multiple layers of protection so your print arrives safely.
If you have questions about a piece, just reach out. You will get access to contact me once you've won an item from my lots.
Artist: Toyohara Kunichika 豊原国周 (1835–1900)
Title: Ichikawa Danjūrō IX as Domo no Matahei (吃又平, "Matahei the Stutterer")
Series: Ichikawa Danjūrō Engei Hyakuban 市川団十郎演芸百番
Date: Colophon dated February, Meiji 30 (1897)
Publisher: Fukuda Kumajirō 福田熊次郎, Nihonbashi-ku, Hasegawa-chō 19, Tokyo
Block carver: Nisei Horiei 二世彫栄 (Horiei II)
Signature / seals: Signed Kunichika hitsu 國周筆 in a cartouche, with the artist's red ring seal
Format: Ōban tate-e, approx. 36 × 24 cm, full sheet with margins
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Condition
Very good colour and impression with generous margins. The paper is firm and subtle with minor toning. The print carries an album backing. Very good overall! Please check the images!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PRINT
Domo no Matahei is the hero of Keisei Hangonkō (傾城反魂香), a play written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon in 1708 and later adapted for kabuki. Matahei is a gifted but poor painter with a severe stutter, and a pupil of the Tosa school master Tosa Shōgen Mitsunobu. Because of his stammer and low standing, his master refuses to grant him the Tosa artist name, while lesser pupils receive it. In despair, Matahei decides to end his life and paints a self-portrait on a stone washbasin as his final work. The portrait miraculously passes through the stone and appears on the other side. Moved by this proof of his talent, the master finally gives him the name Tosa no Matahei Mitsuoki. The scene became one of the best-loved episodes of the kabuki repertoire. Its mix of humour, pathos and triumph made it a showcase for leading actors.
The series was commissioned from Kunichika by Fukuda Kumajirō together with Gusokuya Kahei and began in 1893. Sheets were released gradually over several years, and the last designs appeared in 1903, after the artist's death. It is widely regarded as the high point of Kunichika's late work. The designs were printed with costly materials and techniques. The Honolulu Museum of Art holds an impression of this design.
Seller's Story
I've been collecting Japanese woodblock prints for quite a while now — everything from classic ukiyo-e to shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga. What started as a personal passion eventually turned into something more, and these days I source prints from auctions, galleries, and private collections across Japan and Europe.
With growing worldwide interest in Japanese woodblock prints, gallery prices have been climbing steadily. My goal is simple: offer high-quality, authentic prints at reasonable prices. I'm picky about what I sell — I look for pieces that have been stored properly, kept flat, and are free from serious foxing, stains, or damage.
I'm based in Germany, which means EU buyers won't deal with any import duties or taxes. For US buyers, original artworks under HS code 9702 are duty-free as well. And wherever you are, I pack everything carefully with multiple layers of protection so your print arrives safely.
If you have questions about a piece, just reach out. You will get access to contact me once you've won an item from my lots.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Meiji period (1868-1912)
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Height
36 cm
Width
24 cm
Title of artwork
KUNICHIKA . Domo no Matahei . 100 Roles of Ichikawa Danjūrō . 1897 . auth Japanese Woodblock
Condition
Excellent condition
Authenticity
Original/official
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