Description:

JAPANESE PUPPET SHOW WOODBLOCK PRINTS BY UCHIDA
Complete set of four Japanese woodblock prints, each 10 1/2" x 15 1/2" and mounted in a 13 1/4" x 19" mat, by HASEGAWA SADANOBU III (1881-1963), and published by the Uchida company in Kyoto, circa 1950. The set consist of three beautifully colored prints depicting three highly detailed puppets, armed with swords and a spear and in lavish costumes and makeup, who act as the central characters of the Bunraku (puppet theater) play "Pine Tree". The fourth print consists of a wonderful representation of the main stage setting of the play, the road in front of a Shinto temple with an ox cart at center. A rice paper overlay shows the stage positions of the three characters at a pivotal moment in the story, and a separate translucent rice paper sheet gives a brief explanation of Bunraku and of the plot of the play. Each character print bears the artist's printed signature, and the mark of the Uchida company. The verso of each print bears the set number in green ink, and a black ink "SAMPLE" stamp. These prints were salesman's samples acquired by a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Thomas Hood, who sold these prints in the eastern United States on behalf of Uchida. These are excellent examples of "Shin hanga" prints, which were produced under the direction of publishers such as Uchida specifically to appeal to Western tastes and romantic ideas about Japan. One print is missing the mat cover, and the corner of the backing is torn but present. Some insignificant toning, else very good. Sold without the original paperboard folder. Also present is a fifth print of the same dimensions, showing the stage settings and character positions for the Bunraku play "Tragedy of a Warrior's Wife", with the explanatory sheet.

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November 17, 2016 11:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000