Utagawa Toyokuni I (初代歌川豊国) (artist 1769 – 02/24/1825)
Bandō Mitsugorō III (坂東三津五郎) and the broken bowl
ca 1825
10.25 in x 15 in (Overall dimensions) Japanese woodblock print
Signed: Toyokuni ga (豊国画)
Publisher: Yamamotoya Heikichi
(Marks 595 - seal 04-007)
Censor's seal: kiwame
There is an unidentified collector's seal on verso. This print has the feel of other series which portrayed an actor in seven quick change roles in a single performance. There may be two others from just such a grouping at Waseda University, except they lack the substantial amount of script at the top of the print. However, they do date from the same time period and represent the same actor in different roles standing alone against a yellow ground.
Yamamotoya Heikichi (山本屋平吉) (publisher)
Bandō Mitsugorō III (三代目坂東三津五郎: 11/1799 to 12/1831) (actor)