This is the first update for some time. I have been concentrating on updating our netsuke site (which is now up to date). This Japanese prints site has the first 300 prints from our collection; our other site is more up to date, with over 100 more prints.
The latest two prints added to our other site are both of the same character (Kasugaya Tokijirô) from the same kabuki play (Akegarasu Hana no Nureginu) and both by Toyokuni III. However, one is of Ichikawa Danjuro VIII from a production in 1851, and the other is of Nakamura Fukusuke I from a later production in 1857. Both are on the Toyokuni III page of our other site.
The story of Akegarasu Hana no Nureginu (based on true events of about 1760): Kasugaya Tokijirô, the adopted son of a money broker, was infatuated by Yamanaya Unasaro, a high-ranking courtesan. Kasugaya Tokijirô, disowned by his family, frequented the brothel to visit her but eventually the lovers were forced to separate by the proprietor. Soon afterwards, Kasugaya Tokijirô sneaked into the brothel and took Yamanaya Unasaro away to die with him. This double suicide caused a sensation an the time.