A stunning rare narrow full-color Ukiyo-E Hanga print after original woodblock print "Actor Nakajima Wadauemon as Tanbaya Hachiuemon" by Toshusai Sharaku. Comes from a rare Collection of 24 Masterpieces by Sharaku. Produced & published by Shuei-Sha, Tokyo, in September, 1964. Printers: Toppan Printing Co., LTD. Printed on one side. Attached at the top to a board of heavy textured paper, covered with lighter sheet of paper for protection, numbered 19 on the label on the front of the cover. Excellent condition - minor edge wear on the board, never framed, ready to be framed. Copy of the commentary by Dr. Kiyoshi Shibui and Mr. Sadao Kikuchi (below) in Japanese and English is included. Overall (folded) 12.50"W x 18.25"H Overall (unfolded) 25"W x 18.25"H Image 5.50"W x 11.75"H Commentary by Ukiyo-e Art consultant & editor Dr. Kiyoshi Shibui and Mr. Sadao Kikuchi: Signature: signed Toshusai Sharaku Printers: Tsutaya Juzaburo (with a seal) In the possession of Mr. C. H. Mitchell, Tokyo A picture which seems to form a set with this print, depicting actor Matsumoto Koshiro's Ninokuchi-Mura Magoemon of Yamato was found in the auction list of a Frederick Hunter of New York in 1919, sometime before Heenderson-Laydu's "Works of SHARAKU" was published. This print exists in Japan but its owner is not a Japanese. The subject is taken from the play better known as "Love's Flying Messenger" (Koi-Hikyaku), billed for Kiri-Za in August 1794. There is a relatively large yellow space left for background for a narrow sheet. The bending of the messenger's limbs carry an almost rhythmic sense and his turned-up chin gives him the air of pugnacity. Compositionally unique, the picture also has an attractive color scheme.