Large Japanese scroll painting on silk purportedly by Hanabusa Itcho depicting a scene from the Heike monogatari, which recounts the lengthy civil war between the Minamoto and Taira clans of twelfth-century Japan. This painting depicts a triumphant moment during the battle of Yashima: challenged by a beautiful Taira woman, the Minamoto archer Nasu no Yoichi has just ridden into the sea and successfully shot down a battle fan flying from a Taira ship. Hanabusa Itcho (1652-1724), born Taga Shinko, initially trained in the Kano style of painting, but later rejected it in favor of the literati style and more diverse subject matter. He was exiled from Edo (now Tokyo) in 1698; when he returned eleven years later, following the death of the shogun who had exiled him, he changed his name to Hanabusa Itcho. The painting school he founded came to be known as the Hanabusa school, and his works were emulated by subsequent generations of ukiyo-e artists. Though little known today, he was once classed with the poet Matsuo Basho (with whom he was acquainted) and the artist Hishikawa Moronobu as an exemplar of Edo cultural attainment. Signed at lower left (see photographs) with two seals. Painting dimensions: w 48.75 in x h 31 in. Mount dimensions: w 57.5 in x h 79 in. In very good condition, recently restored and rebacked. The mount includes both new material (the backing and most of the silk mount) and material from a previous restoration (the futai, or decorative strips, and the thin strips of material immediately above and below the painting). An open tear (2 in x 1.5 in) in an unpainted area near the center of the painting has been neatly repaired, as have several other closed tears in unpainted portions of the silk (see photographs). Some moderate discoloration to silk near Taira warriors at the right edge of the scene, with general light discoloration and small stains to silk, consistent with age. More

This show was on it's "Prior to Broadway" run, but it apparently never made it to the Great White Way. This was Miss Pitts' first stage role, and she did star in two other shows that made it to Broadway, "Ramshckle Inn" which enjoyed some moderate success with a 6-month run in 1944, and "The Bat" which closed after 23 performances in 1953. The problem appeared to have been the choice of material rather than the performers. Condition of the photo is Good, with a sharp, bright image, but some fading to the ink. Condition of the program is Good, with folds and wear. Schellhase's Restaurant in Baltimore MD, owned by C H Otto Schellhase and Frieda Schellhase, operated from 1924 to 1980 and is "remembered for its heavy draperies and even heavier food." H.L. Mencken made it famous as the meeting place for his Saturday Night club. Mencken's influence led many in the world of the arts to gather there. Henry Fonda and Margaret Sullivan were married in Baltimore in 1931 and had their reception at Schellhase's. Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne ate there every night while touring in "The Taming of the Shrew." The walls of Schellhase's gave testimony to its popularity with theatre types, being covered in signed photos of the many Broadway and Hollywood performers who stopped there in the 1930s, '40s, '50s and into the 1960s. -Shelved in Schellhase binder [consignment]. More

Photo is inscribed to Mrs Schellhase and signed by Miss Gish in ink. Condition is Very Good with little fading and some paper tape stuck to the back. Schellhase's Restaurant in Baltimore MD, owned by C H Otto Schellhase and Frieda Schellhase, operated from 1924 to 1980 and is "remembered for its heavy draperies and even heavier food." H.L. Mencken made it famous as the meeting place for his Saturday Night club. Mencken's influence led many in the world of the arts to gather there. Henry Fonda and Margaret Sullivan were married in Baltimore in 1931 and had their reception at Schellhase's. Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne ate there every night while touring in "The Taming of the Shrew." The walls of Schellhase's gave testimony to its popularity with theatre types, being covered in signed photos of the many Broadway and Hollywood performers who stopped there in the 1930s, '40s, '50s and into the 1960s. -Shelved in Schellhase binder [consignment]. More

Authentic Japanese kite section hand-painted on rice paper. Depicts medieval Japanese characters. Frame measures 17 1/2" x 23" in size, matted image measures 12"x17" inches. It is framed with an acid-free mat. The condition is Very Good, with no tears, holes or dirt. More