Title : Actor Ichikawa Komazö II as Yoshida no Shöshö

Artist : Ippitsusai Buncho

Date : 1770

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Source : Honolulu Museum of Art
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Description : Bunchö was strongly influenced by Harunobu, and is known for the use of restrained coloring. This print from the Academy's collection utilizes an overprinting technique in the architectural elements, which creates a unique depth and texture, found only in these early prints. This technique block prints a form of acetic acid on top of a primary color field, which reacts with environmental elements and "tarnishes" over time. In the past, collectors, curators and conservators mistakenly viewed this effect as a flaw, until analytical studies were published by paper conservator Judith Walsh in the late 1980s. The "before treatment" photograph shows the Bunchö print that suffered from minor structural instabilities, including creases, edge folds, and thinning at the corners. The work had been hinged to an acidic mat with damaging adhesives, which were removed. Surface cleaning reduced the appearance of stray marks, and the planar irregularities were improved by local humidification and flattening. 2003

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