Ōta Masamitsu (太田雅光) (artist 1892 – 1975)
Onoe Baikō VII (七代目尾上梅幸) as Fujitsubo (藤壷), number 8 from the series Flowers of Contemporary Theatre (現代舞台芸花)
1955
10.75 in x 16.75 in (Overall dimensions) Japanese woodblock print
Signed: Masamitsu (雅光)
Artist's seal in red
Number - embossed in lower right: 153 [of 200]
Printer's seal: Miyake Kōshodō shosatsu
三宅耕書堂摺摺刷
Copyright: Banchōrō (番蝶楼蔵版)
Waseda University
Portland Art Museum
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art Miyake Kōshodō is the name printed on this sheet. It represents the publisher Banchōrō (Marks U009).
Fujitsubo is from the play Genji monogatari. Scholten Japanese Art wrote about this print: "The play is based on the legendary 11th century story of the same name and was developed for the kabuki stage by Funahashi Seiichi in the early 1950s. In this modern adaptation, which follows some of the general story-line of the classic, Fujitsubo is a mistress of the Emperor who has an ongoing affair with the young Prince Genji. Genji is one of the Emperor's many children, and was known for his unbridled sexual activity. The continuation of their affair, as well as the others in which Genji was engaged, put them both in danger, especially after the Emperor abdicated the throne and less friendly actors rose to political power. At the end of the play, Genji leaves Kyoto to live in exile in the desolate land of Sumaro, while Fujitsubo retires to a convent to become a nun."
actor prints (yakusha-e - 役者絵) (genre)
Onoe Baikō VII (七代目尾上梅幸: 2/1947 to 3/24/1995) (actor)
Genji related prints (Genji-e - 源氏絵) (genre)
Banchōrō (番蝶楼) (publisher)
Shōwa era (昭和時代) (genre)