Posted by Irwin (75.164.163.128) on January 05, 2011 at 02:08:12:
Hi,
I'm looking for a translation of 会稽源氏雪白旗 which appears on the center panel of an 1888 Kunichika triptych featuring the actors Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Minamoto no Yoritomo and Nakamura Fukusuke IV as Minamoto no Yoshitsune. The image can be found in the WUL database at http://www.enpaku.waseda.ac.jp/db/enpakunishik/results-big.php?shiryo_no=403-0205 and I have posted additional photos of a different impression of this print at http://picasaweb.google.com/irwin.lavenberg/Kiyochika?feat=directlink
I had assumed that this triptych was an advertisement for these actors appearing in the play Kanjincho at one of the kabuki theaters, but I can't make this connection with the center panel kanji. So, as always, as much or as little as someone would provide in the way of translation of the center panel would be much appreciated.
On the Picassa link I've included two detail shots from two impressions of this print of the left panel showing Nakamura Fukusuke. In one he appears with a mustache and in the other he is without a mustache. I am fascinated that the mustache was added in what must be a subsequent printing! Perhaps Fukusuke objected to being shown without the mustache?
Thanks!
Irwin