NHK's educational program "Ukiyo-e EDO-LIFE" will feature ukiyo-e prints linked to the story every week to help viewers enjoy the station's historical drama "UNBOUND (Berabou)" (General TV, Sundays at 8pm and other times) even more deeply. On October 17th, "The World of UNBOUND: Kyoden (Political Performance) - Still Active Even After the Shogunate's Punishment!" will be broadcast on BS Premium 4K from 6pm and on Educational TV from 11:50pm.
This time we will be introducing Utagawa Toyokuni's "Yamatokyoden's Shop," which was painted around the middle of the Kansei period.
Located in Kyobashi, Edo, this tobacco store was popular with famous customers, including kabuki stars. It was opened by the comic writer Sankyoden. Kyoden was also active as an ukiyo-e artist under the name Kitao Masanobu, and was a valued partner of Tsutaju. After publishing a story with Tsutaju that violated shogunate regulations, Kyoden decided to start afresh and open this store.
The cigarette case he designed himself is very popular for its stylishness. And when you decipher the illustrations, you can discover more about Kyoden's multi-creator abilities. What is it...?
