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HANZAN, Matsukawa   (1818 - 82)		A large Osaka surimono related to the FUJIKAWA family of kabuki actors Please read comments below
ref. no.: # 51 865		Signed:                        Matsu Hanzan sha Sealed:                         Unsho-shi Date:                            Osaka, 1842 Size:                             c. 39 x 50 cms ! Condition: Fine impression, colors and condition. Mint. Areas with silver pigments and gauffrage.

This important theatrical print document was designed by the Osaka ukiyo-e printmaker, HANZAN, Matsukawa (1818 - 82). He specialized and excelled in the field of surimono and also was a distinguished illustrator of many books. - Single sheet prints by Hanzan like this surimono, an early work, are extemely rare. The shear size of this surimono (39 x 50 cms) and the inscrptions point to an important event that took place in the world of the Osaka kabuki theater in 1842: In short, this surimono announces the request for the takeover of leadership of the FUJIKAWA family of kabuki actors by Fujikawa, Hachizo as Fujikawa VI in the year, 1842. 'Fuji-', the first character of the family name means: Wisteria. Therefore, the dancing lady depicted in this print possibly is 'Fuji-musume' (the Wisteria Girl) . The drummer girl certainly is Hachizo's younger brother, Yataro, who among others contributed a poem in the left part of the sheet.

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