Utagawa ToyokuniⅠ,with a Handwritten Poem by Ota Shokusanjin "Shibaraku"

Toyokuni I was a disciple of Utagawa Toyoharu, and became a very popular ukiyo-e artist during the period from Kansei to Bunka era (1789～1818). For his popularity, the number of his yakusha-e is very huge, while this picture is his original drawing which shows the scene of Shibaraku (Wait a Moment). The legend in this picture is hand-written by Ota Nanpo, also known as Shokusanjin, as well as a kyoka (satirical poem) saying “When the voice of wait a moment sound, the face-showing performance in the falling snow tells the coming of spring”. Nanpo was also a well-known theatergoer, and according to research, the production of this material is considered back to middle Bunka era when they were active. It might be a work for a special order.