- Kameya Chubei from 'Meido no Hikyaku' (Kabuki Play) -

This beautiful woodblock print, 'Kameya Chubei' from 'Meido no Hikyaku' (Kabuki play), is by Gekko Ohashi (1896–1967). It features the main character of the performance, Kameya Chubei and Umegawa.

In short, the story follows Chubei, who is consumed by love for the courtesan Umegawa. Desperate to save her, he steals important public funds and is pursued. Devoted to Chubei, Umegawa chooses to stand by him until the end, and together they escape to Shinguchi Village. This print beautifully captures their deep emotions as they walk hand in hand through a snowy village, wearing matching kimonos. 

Published in 1954 by Kyoto Hanga-in, this piece showcases Ohashi's mastery of Kabuki-e paintings. The artist's signature, "Gekko" (block-signed), and red seal are located on the lower-left corner of the image. This print is an excellent choice for collectors looking to create a stunning framed display celebrating Japanese culture.

Gekko Ohashi was born on Shodoshima Island in Kagawa Prefecture in 1896. After the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, inspired by the work of Kiyokata Kaburagi, he moved to Tokyo and made his spectacular debut while staying at the residence of Seiyu Ito, who was illustrating the cover art for the scripts of the Honjo Kotobuki Theater. He became a well-known painter of Bijin-ga and later followed his passion for Kabuki, becoming a famous Kabuki-e painter.

Technique: Woodblock 
Paper size: ９and 1/8 x 11 and 1/8 inches (23.2 x 28.2 cm)
Image size: 8 x 9 and 7/8 inches (20.3 x 25 cm)
Sheet number: N/A
Date: 1954
Signed: Artist's signature and the artist's red seal in the left. 
Condition: Very good condition for its age. Minor paper creases on the margins, which will be matted out. This handmade Japanese washi paper contains natural impurities, including bark bits. 

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