Title : Ryudo

Artist : Utagawa Kunisada

Date : 1863

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Source : Robyn Buntin of Honolulu
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Description : This print is from the series Edo-no-Hana Meisho-e, which translates as, The Flowers of Edo: A Collection of Famous Places. The series ran from the 12th month of 1862 to the 1st month of 1865. Twenty-one artists in total collaborated in the production of this series. That makes it one of the biggest artist collaborations in all of Japan's greater art history and likely the largest artist collaboration within the entire Ukiyo-e period. The prints were produced in the Harimaze format, which means that each sheet was divided into several sections. Each print highlights the 'finest / most treasured' aspects of an individual Edo district - which is where the title comes into play, The Flowers of Edo. The panels in each of the works are in an arrangement that displays a Title Section [which has the name and Troop number of the local Fire Department in it], a Scene from the District, a Significant Story about the District and a Kabuki Actor portrait that relates to the District in some way [as well as classical songs, poetry, historical accounts and commercial advertisements that are associated with the famous locations too]. The top and bottom left sections of this print were done by Hiroshige II. The actor is Kawarazaki Gonjuro in the role of Musashi Goro Sadayo. From Simon Henry, "The Flowers of Edo", #17, p.43.

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