Vintage Woodblock Print of Benkei in Kanjin-cho by Sadanobu III Hasegawa

Description: Up for your consideration this Vintage Woodblock Print of Benkei in Kanjin-cho by Sadanobu III Hasegawa in a very good condition. Rustic bamboo-style frame with non-glare (museum) glass measures 20" x 14¾". Visible print size 15⅞" x 10½". Sadanobu Hasegawa III (1881-1963) was the third in a long line of Japanese print-makers, following his father and grandfather into the arts. He was born in Osaka as the son of Sadanobu II and became an apprentice of Shijo painter Ueda Kocho, and later of Utagawa Sadamasu, becoming a member of the Osaka school. Most of the woodblock prints by Sadanobu Hasegawa III were made after World War II. Sadanobu Hasegawa III also had a son who followed in the family tradition and was active until the 1980s. Sadanobu Hasegawa III worked to adopt the art of Japanese printmaking to the 20th century. Most of his work was commissioned by the Uchida company in Kyoto, one of the largest publishers of woodblock prints in Japan at the time. His woodblock making technique followed the old Japanese tradition of hand making all of the blocks. He did add some more modern features to some of his prints like embossing of metal pigments. He adopted a style which was a combination of old okiyo-e traditions, with a modern approach. His subjects included the traditional focuses of ukiyo-e tradition such as kabuki theater, the bunraku puppet theater, beautiful girls from Kyoto, as well as scenes and events from Japan's medieval history and legends. His work primarily catered to the foreign market, and his selections of colors and subjects almost portrayed a Disneyland image of Japan. Even with the more modern approach, he always kept his foundation rooted in the traditional techniques, while focusing on good artisan work. Kanjin-cho or Kanjinchō (勧進帳, The Subscription List) is a kabuki dance-drama by Namiki Gohei III, based on the Noh play Ataka. It is one of the most popular plays in the modern kabuki repertory. Akira Kurosawa's film The Men who Tread on the Tiger's Tail is partly based on Kanjinchō. Saitō Musashibō Benkei (西塔武蔵坊弁慶, 1155–1189), or Benkei, was a Japanese warrior monk (sōhei) who lived in the latter years of the Heian Period (794–1185). Benkei led a varied life, first becoming a monk, then a mountain ascetic, and then a rogue warrior. He later came to respect and serve the famous warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune, also known as Ushiwakamaru. He is commonly depicted as a man of great strength and loyalty, and a popular subject of Japanese folklore showcased in many ancient and modern literature and productions. I found no significant condition issues with this print, but signs of previous use and ownership should be expected consistent with its vintage timeline and should be taken into consideration with age and ownership. Please note: I will accept any reasonable offer. Please check out all of the pictures and thank you for watching.

Price: 95 USD

Location: Katy, Texas

End Time: 2024-11-10T20:52:01.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD