Tales of actors from ancient times to the present - Kokonyakusha Monogatari

Japanese: 古今役者物語 - ここんやくしゃものがたり

A picture book of plays from the Edo period. Written by Hishikawa Moronobu. Published in 1678 (Enpo 6). Also known as Kyogenzu. It depicts the stage from around the Kanbun era (1661-73) and includes lines and lyrics. The illustrations give concrete details of the acting, direction, costumes, and sets of early Kabuki, of which there are few extant documents, making it a valuable theatrical resource. It is considered one of Moronobu's most powerful picture books and is highly regarded for its aesthetic quality. The book begins with a picture of the front of the theater, a picture of the room where the Kabuki actors are entertained, and a picture of the dressing room, followed by several stage drawings starting with Sanbaso.

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

江戸時代の芝居絵本。菱川師宣筆。1678年(延宝6)刊。別称《狂言尽》。寛文(1661‐73)ころの舞台面を描き，せりふや歌の詞章が記されている。現存資料の乏しい初期歌舞伎の演技，演出，扮装，装置などが，絵によって具体的に知られ，貴重な演劇資料となっている。師宣の絵本としても力編のひとつとされ，美術的評価も高い。内容は劇場前の図，歌舞伎子のはべる座敷図，楽屋内の図を冒頭に，以下三番叟にはじまる数葉の舞台図が配置される。

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

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