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狂言始 唐人相撲（唐相撲）
Tôjin-zumô (also called Tôzumô), from the series Introduction to Kyôgen Plays (Kyôgen hajime)
狂言始 唐人相撲（唐相撲）
Kawanabe Kyôsai (Japanese, 1831–1889)
Japanese
Edo period
Medium/Technique
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Dimensions
13 x 18.2 cm (5 1/8 x 7 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number11.45798.10
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsPrints
Catalogue Raisonné
Kawanabe Kyôsai no nô, kyôgen ga (2013), p. 135, #69 (this design mentioned but no photo)
DescriptionThe 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
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.