LONG MAKIMONO in polychrome on paper, depicting a series of Bugaku scenes (traditional court dance) by Fukuô Sesshin (1701–1785), based on a drawing by Tosa Mitsunari (1646–1710). The colophon inscribed at the end of the painting states: “Tosa Gyôbu Gon-no-taifu yaku goi-no-ge Fujiwara no Mitsunari zu Sesshin hitsu”. (Painted by Sesshin after a drawing by Tosa Fujiwara no Mitsunari, [holder of the honorary title] Grand Vice-Minister of Justice, ranked fifth lower grade). Seal illegible. (Folds, soiling, minor restoration). Japan, Edo period, 18th century. A LONG MAKIMONO, COLOURS ON PAPER DEPICTING BUGAKU DANCERS BY FUKUÔ SESSHIN, JAPAN, 19TH CENTURY. DIM. 643 X 28 CM (253 1/8 X 11 IN.) Note The artist is believed to be the Noh actor Moemon Morikatsu IX, the 9th grand master of the Fukuô school of supporting actors (waki) in Noh theatre. A keen painter, he became a pupil of Hanabusa Itchô and specialised in works depicting scenes from Noh, Kyōgen and other theatrical forms under the name Sesshin.