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狂言始 瓜盗人
Urinusubito, from the series Collection of Kyôgen Plays (Kyôgen zukushi)
狂言始 瓜盗人
Kawanabe Kyôsai (Japanese, 1831–1889)
Japanese
Edo period
Medium/Technique
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Dimensions
12.8 x 17.6 cm (5 1/16 x 6 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number11.45797.7
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsPrints
DescriptionMFA impressions: 11.45797.7 (with poems), 11.45798.18 (without poems)
The MFA has two related sets of small-format prints, each with an accompanying wrapper. 11.45797.1 to .13 (12 prints, plus a wrapper with the title "Kyôgen zukushi") includes three prints signed "Kyôsai ga". Each print is inscribed with poems, suggesting that this first edition may be a privately commissioned surimono set. 11.45798.1 to .24 (23 prints, plus a wrapper with the title "Kyôgen hajime") has the same 12 designs as the first series, but without the poems, as well as 11 additional designs. None are signed.
The MFA has two related sets of small-format prints, each with an accompanying wrapper. 11.45797.1 to .13 (12 prints, plus a wrapper with the title "Kyôgen zukushi") includes three prints signed "Kyôsai ga". Each print is inscribed with poems, suggesting that this first edition may be a privately commissioned surimono set. 11.45798.1 to .24 (23 prints, plus a wrapper with the title "Kyôgen hajime") has the same 12 designs as the first series, but without the poems, as well as 11 additional designs. None are signed.
Signed
Unsigned
無款
無款
InscriptionsPoems
ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850–d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 19, 2005)
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.