Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) – Nakamura Shikan II as Sanbasō – Farewell Performance - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
05
days
03
hours
04
minutes
30
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
Estimate € 150 - € 250
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 145455 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
This original Japanese colour woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi depicts Nakamura Shikan II as Sanbasō in a farewell performance in 1833 and measures 36 × 24 cm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳)
Signature: Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi ga (一勇斎国芳画)
Title (cartouche): Sanbasō – Nakamura Shikan (三番叟 中村芝翫)
Inscription: Tenpō yonen kugatsu nagori kyōgen (天保四年九月名残狂言), “Farewell performance, 9th month of Tenpō 4”
Actor: Nakamura Shikan II (later Nakamura Utaemon IV)
Play: Mata Kuru Haru Suzuna no Tanemaki (再春菘種蒔), performed at the Nakamura-za, Edo
Date: 1833 (Tenpō 4), 9th month
Censor seal: Kiwame (極)
Technique: Nishiki-e, colour woodblock print on Japanese washi
Format: Ōban tate-e (vertical)
Size: 36.4 x 24.5 cm
________________________________________
CONDITION
Some trimming and binding holes. Otherwise a museum-quality impression, printed on high-quality washi with vivid colours. The paper is firm and clean.
________________________________________
About the Print
This early actor print by Kuniyoshi records a farewell production (nagori kyōgen) at the Nakamura-za in the 9th month of 1833. The star was Nakamura Shikan II, one of the leading actors and dancers of his time, who would take the name Nakamura Utaemon IV in 1836. Kuniyoshi made several designs for this farewell programme, including a two-role diptych of Shikan now in the National Museum of Asian Art (Smithsonian). An impression of this design is in the British Museum, and the design is also recorded in the Waseda University Theatre Museum.
Shikan danced Mata Kuru Haru Suzuna no Tanemaki, better known as Shitadashi Sanbasō, “the Sanbasō with his tongue sticking out”. The dance had its premiere in the 9th month of 1812 at the same theatre. It was created for Nakamura Utaemon III’s own farewell to Edo before he returned to Kamigata. The lyrics were by Sakurada Jisuke II, the music by Kineya Shōjirō I, and the choreography by Fujima Kanjūrō I. It was based on the sacred Nō play Okina. Sanbasō dances are performed as prayers for prosperity and to mark auspicious occasions, which makes the piece a natural choice for an actor saying goodbye to his audience. When Shikan II performed it in 1833, he was repeating the farewell gesture of the actor whose line he would later continue.
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: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳)
Signature: Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi ga (一勇斎国芳画)
Title (cartouche): Sanbasō – Nakamura Shikan (三番叟 中村芝翫)
Inscription: Tenpō yonen kugatsu nagori kyōgen (天保四年九月名残狂言), “Farewell performance, 9th month of Tenpō 4”
Actor: Nakamura Shikan II (later Nakamura Utaemon IV)
Play: Mata Kuru Haru Suzuna no Tanemaki (再春菘種蒔), performed at the Nakamura-za, Edo
Date: 1833 (Tenpō 4), 9th month
Censor seal: Kiwame (極)
Technique: Nishiki-e, colour woodblock print on Japanese washi
Format: Ōban tate-e (vertical)
Size: 36.4 x 24.5 cm
________________________________________
CONDITION
Some trimming and binding holes. Otherwise a museum-quality impression, printed on high-quality washi with vivid colours. The paper is firm and clean.
________________________________________
About the Print
This early actor print by Kuniyoshi records a farewell production (nagori kyōgen) at the Nakamura-za in the 9th month of 1833. The star was Nakamura Shikan II, one of the leading actors and dancers of his time, who would take the name Nakamura Utaemon IV in 1836. Kuniyoshi made several designs for this farewell programme, including a two-role diptych of Shikan now in the National Museum of Asian Art (Smithsonian). An impression of this design is in the British Museum, and the design is also recorded in the Waseda University Theatre Museum.
Shikan danced Mata Kuru Haru Suzuna no Tanemaki, better known as Shitadashi Sanbasō, “the Sanbasō with his tongue sticking out”. The dance had its premiere in the 9th month of 1812 at the same theatre. It was created for Nakamura Utaemon III’s own farewell to Edo before he returned to Kamigata. The lyrics were by Sakurada Jisuke II, the music by Kineya Shōjirō I, and the choreography by Fujima Kanjūrō I. It was based on the sacred Nō play Okina. Sanbasō dances are performed as prayers for prosperity and to mark auspicious occasions, which makes the piece a natural choice for an actor saying goodbye to his audience. When Shikan II performed it in 1833, he was repeating the farewell gesture of the actor whose line he would later continue.
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
Edo Period (1600-1868)
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Height
36 cm
Width
24 cm
Title of artwork
Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) – Nakamura Shikan II as Sanbasō – Farewell Performance
Condition
Excellent condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
