Subject identifications follow the cited collection records. Images are presented as reduced display copies.
About the Series
Yoshitoshi designed this series in collaboration with Kunichika. Yoshitoshi used western-style techniques in creating the images of rōnin at the tops of the prints, reminiscent of the “100 warriors” series. Kunichika used a more classical style in the design of the kabuki actors at bottom.
This series is very poorly documented. The total number of prints is unknown, and other designs may yet come to light.
Publication details
Date
03/1869
Format
Ōban
Signature
Kaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu, as recorded in the source catalogue
Seals
kiri
Publisher
Not recorded
Block carver
Not recorded
Catalogue notes
Seven designs are currently listed. Two additional designs are documented in Ritsumeikan’s ARC database and the Sakai working catalogue. Entry #6 is illustrated from Senshū University Library; entry #7 is illustrated from the Edo-Tokyo Museum collection. The print titles have been updated using museum, university, and dealer catalogue records. The historical English series title was “A Theater Alphabet of True Forms.” Several technical details are marked as unread or unchecked.
Information about additional designs, corrections, better images, and missing publication details is welcome.
SCHOLARSHIP & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Catalogue References
01
Courage and Silence
Roger S. Keyes · 1982
A Study of the Life and Color Woodblock Prints of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 1839–1892. Series 264.
Yoshida Chūzaemon Kanesuke and Lady KaoyoVIEW PRINT ↗02Yoshida Chūzaemon Kanesuke and Lady Kaoyo03/1869
Akagaki Genzō and Shioda’s Wife, YukiVIEW PRINT ↗03Akagaki Genzō and Shioda’s Wife, Yuki03/1869
Ōtaka Gengo Tadao and Takarai KikakuVIEW PRINT ↗04Ōtaka Gengo Tadao and Takarai Kikaku03/1869
Horibe Yasubei Taketsune and OmitsuVIEW PRINT ↗05Horibe Yasubei Taketsune and Omitsu03/1869
矢頭右衛門七教兼・与茂七女房お袖Yatō Emonshichi Norikane and Osode, Wife of YomoshichiVIEW PRINT ↗06Yatō Emonshichi Norikane and Osode, Wife of Yomoshichi03/1869
横川勘平宗則・道具屋芳兵衛Yokogawa Kanpei Munenori and Dōguya YoshibeiVIEW PRINT ↗07Yokogawa Kanpei Munenori and Dōguya Yoshibei03/1869