22 Utagawa Kunisada 1786 – 1865 Poem by Ariwara Narihira: Actor Nakamura Fukusuke I as Asazuma

Japan, 5th month of 1858 (Edo period),
from the series Matches for the Six Poetic Immortals (Mitate Rokkasen)

This beautiful print is an excellent example of a collaborative design by two artists of the late Edo period. The scene originates from the series "Matches for the Six Poetic Immortals" (Mitate Rokkasen) and is associated with a classic poem by the renowned poet Ariwara Narihira. The main figure of the actor Nakamura Fukusuke I in the role of the dancer Asazuma was designed by the famous portraitist Utagawa Kunisada I (signed Toyokuni ga within his typical red toshidama cartouche). The supplementary or background elements were contributed by his pupil Utagawa Kunihisa II, whose signature (Kunihisa ga) is also present on the sheet. The print features a censor's seal (Horse 5) that precisely dates the work to the 5th month of 1858. An impression of this exact print is held in the prestigious collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The print boasts an exceptional provenance, originating from the famous collection of the Czech painter Vojtěch Chytil, elevating it to a piece of true museum quality.