Utagawa Toyokuni I (初代歌川豊国) (artist 1769 – 02/24/1825)
Matsumoto Kōshirō V (松本幸四郎) and Arashi Sampachi I (嵐三八)
ca 1796
10.25 in x 15.25 in (Overall dimensions) Japanese woodblock print
Signed: Toyokuni ga (豊国画)
There is no publisher's seal.
Rare early actor duo against a grey background. The actors Arashi Sampachi I in a sumo role with Matsumoto Kōshirō V (1764-1838) [aka "Big Nose"] who is attempting to throw his opponent. Because of the way he is dressed with a large braided rope motif the character portrayed by Kōshirō is probably Nuregami Chōgorō.
Nuregami (濡髪) can be translated as 'wet hair' or 'freshly washed hair' Chōgorō.
actor prints (yakusha-e - 役者絵) (genre)
Matsumoto Kōshirō V (五代目松本幸四郎: 11/1801 to 5/1838) (actor)
Arashi Sampachi I (初代嵐三八: from 11/1782 to 10/1795 and again from 11/1797 to 2/1812) (actor)
sumō (相撲) (genre)