The Lovers Urazato and Tokijiro
Artist
Kikukawa Eizan 菊川 英山
(Japanese, 1787–1867)
Dateabout 1814–1815
Mediumwoodblock print, ink and color on paper; nishiki-e; hashira-e
Dimensions61 x 10.2 cm (24 x 4 in.)
ClassificationsPrints
Credit LineJohn Chandler Bancroft Collection
Object number1901.59.2815
DescriptionThe oiran Urazato and her lover TokijiroLabel TextKikugawa Eizan (1787-1867) The Lovers Urazato and Tokijiro About 1814-15 Series: "Compilation [of the Personalities in] Shinnai Songs (Shinnai zukushi) Artist's signature: Eizan hitsu (brushed by Eizan) Censor's seal: kiwame Woodblock print; ink and color on paper; nishiki-e; hashira-e John Chandler Bancroft Collection, 1901.59.2815 The tragic love-story of Tokijiro, a twenty-one year old son of a purveyor to the government, and Urazato, a twenty-four year old prostitute, who killed themselves at Mikawashima in Edo, became the subject of a shinnai song. The song, which was entitled Akegarasu yume no awayuki, was composed in 1769 by Tsuruga Wakasanojo I (1717-86); it later inspired several kabuki and puppet theatre plays. Emulating one of Utamaro's two favorite pillar-print compositions, Eizan placesProvenanceJohn Chandler Bancroft, Boston, MA
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