Very Rare Wooblock Print by Sharaku, Tendozan Bungoro
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The size of Woodblock Print: 10 1/4" W ide x 15 1/8" Long
The size of mage area: 10" Wide x 14 3/4" Long.
The frame size: 16 1/2" Wide x 21 1/4" Long
The matt size: 9 3/4" x 14 3/4"
The subject: Daidozan Bungoro,
The artist: Toushusai Sharaku,
Lower left: Sharaku-Ga(Sharaku painted).
Kiwame (censor) seal and
seal of Tsutaya.
Original Edition of Daidozan Bungoro Hanga was published by
Tsutaya Shigesaburo in Kansei 7th, 1795. But this woodblock we are offering is the edition by Takamizawa. The seal of Takamizawa Ban seal on reverse lower right area as the photo No. 4 is showing.
The date of this woodblock print done before 1927 after Great Eathqauke of Kanto 1923. The condition of Hanga(woodblock print) excellent, no stain, no spots and fine condition. The print done in museum mount taped. The frame has some wear and scratch on lower frame area.
The story of this woodblock print:
1) upper right showing the place where he was born
Dewano Kuni, Murayama. He was 3 feet 9 inches when
he was 8 years old. 2) second Japanese writing area:
same year he was weight already 71 kg (156 lbs) at the age of 8th.
This woodblock scene was made by Sharaku who is
most mysterious Ukiyoe artist in Edo era. There Bungoro
pick up Shogi Ban (made by solid wooden piece, the thickness
of Shogiban abount 8 inches and 15 inches square which
weighs 35 lbs. He trying to extinguish the candle by
Shogiban. He was already strong in childhood and entered
into Adult Sumo wrestling and he was hoped for Sumo
Grand Champion, but after he became Rikishi(sumo wrestler),
he made his record as normal sumo wrestler.
The wood block carefully depicted the strongness of Bungoro.
He was born in 1789 and died 1823 at age of 34 years old.
When Bungoro was at the age of 2 years old he was 115cm
height and 33kg (72 lbs.). But when he became adult, his hight
was 159 cm and weigh 169 kg (372 lbs.)
Takamizawa Tatsuji(1890-1927). He was the master and genius of Hanga maker in his time as well as upto this modern time. He was making replica of master artist's work in his short life. Especially he was commisioned the work of Sharaku because Shawaku's woodblock was very expensive even in Taisho period. His works was applauded by his niece, Takamizawa Takako when she wrote the article in Bungei Shunshu, Show 3rd, August edition. "His work is just wonderful beauty of master artisan." Also at another occasion by Professor of Imperial Tokyo University, Fujikake Shizuya, he told that he can not tell the difference work between, Sharaku and Takamizawa work when he was working of reproducing the Matsukata collection.(famous Japanese Woodblock collection.) His replica of Hang can not tell which one is his or original works by Sharaku himself. This is fine example of Takamizawa work which rarely seen in the market especially this Daidozan Bungoro subject.
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