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
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