Shibai Ehon Banzuke

芝居絵本番付

Illustrated Playbills for Kabuki

Kabuki, a classical form of Japanese performing arts, was developed in the cities of Edo (Tokyo) and Kamigata (Osaka and Kyoto), and performed in several other cities in early modern Japan. It became one of the most popular theatrical entertainments from the seventeenth through the late nineteenth centuries. Posters and programs for kabuki performances called "banzuke'' were printed in woodblock, such as "tsuji-banzuke" (posters), "yakuwari banzuke" (cast lists), and "ehon banzuke" (illustrated playbills). The third type "ehon banzuke," was also called "ezukushi" [or "shibai ehon"] in Kamigata.[1] 

The covers for many of the "shibai ehon" of the Kamigata region were dyed with stencils called "kappazuri," a dyeing technique.[2] These booklets were sold at theaters and theater teahouses (facilities that assist guests and provide meals during intermissions) after the performances began.[3]

These types of booklets were not intended to be preserved for posterity, and like modern playbills they were more like consumables used as guides for theatre performances. Their contents are standardized, and the carving and printing were of poor quality. While they may not hold much value as art pieces, they offer a glimpse into the atmosphere of theatre viewing at the time.[4]

[1] "Kamigata Kabuki Banzuke 上方歌舞伎番付: Woodblock Print Playbills from Western Japan," Calisphere, University of California https://calisphere.org/collections/26888/ [accessed 7-13-24]

[2] Ukiyo-e: Theatre and Kabuki (Shibai-e Banzuke) https://hamasakaba.sakura.ne.jp/u06sibai/066s/sub066s.html#%E3%83%88%E3%83%83%E3%83%97%E3%83%9A%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B8 [accessed 7-13-24]

[3] University of Tokyo Digital Archive https://www.l.u-tokyo.ac.jp/digitalarchive/collection/banzukekaisetsu.html

[4] op. cit. Ukiyo-e: Theater and Kabuki

Shibai Ehon Banzuke in this Collection

Chigogafuchi koi no shiranami / Yoshitsune Koshigoejō

児渕恋白浪/義経腰越状

Performed at the Naka no shibai (中之芝居) in Osaka in August 1850

Publisher: Osaka: Honsei (Hon'ya Tamaki Seishichi); Tamaki (Hon'ya Tamaki Seishichi) 

大坂:本清(本屋玉置清七); 玉置 (本屋玉置清七)

Pagesize (closed): 7 7/8 x 5 3/8 in. (20 x 13.7 cm)

Reference link: https://archive.waseda.jp/archive/detail.html?arg={%22subDB_id%22:%2279%22,%22id%22:%22412413;20%22}&lang=jp

IHL Cat. #2734

click on any image to enlarge

top margin:

義経腰越状

Yoshitsune Koshigoejō

(Yoshitsune's Letter at Koshigo)

right margin:

芝居

Naka no shibai

浪花 : 本清板

[Publisher] Naniwa [Osaka]: Honsei ban

within illustration:

児渕恋白浪

Chigogafuchi koi no shiranami

(The Chigo Deeps and the White Waves of Love)

right page (rectangular cartouche):

児渕恋白浪

Chigogafuchi koi no shiranami

left page (rectangular cartouche):

義経腰越状

Yoshitsune Koshigoejō

Kanadehon shijūshichi monji / Nido no okura neya no mutsu goto

假名手本四十七文字 /  再大藏閨の睦言

Performed at the Chikugo shibai (筑後芝居) in Osaka on March 17, 1869

Publisher: Osaka: Honsei (Hon'ya Tamaki Seishichi); Tamaki (Hon'ya Tamaki Seishichi) 

大坂:本清(本屋玉置清七); 玉置 (本屋玉置清七)

Page Size (closed): 8 x 5 7/8 in. (20.3 x 14.9 cm)

Reference link: https://cultural.jp/item/arc_ban-ONL974_104_02

IHL Cat. #2736

click on any image to enlarge

top cartouche:

再大藏閨の睦言

Nido no okura neya no mutsu goto

center cartouche:

假名手本四十七文字

Kanadehon shijūshichi monji

座本:實川若丸

Theater manager/producer: Jitsukawa Wakamaru

right page (rectangular cartouche):

假名手本四十七文字

Kanadehon shijūshichi monji

right page (rectangular cartouche):

 再大藏閨の睦言

Nido no okura neya no mutsu goto

left page (right column):

座本:實川若丸

[Theater Manager/Producer: Jitsukawa Wakamaru]

Keisei Sato no Funauta / Kishi no Himematsu Kutsuwa Kagami / Taiheiki Chūshin Kōshaku

契情廓船諷/岸姫松轡鑑/太平記忠臣講釈