MASUNOBU, the second of that name, whose work, in clear, delicate colour and charming arrangement, generally follows Harunobu's closely, is also not definitely located. He appears to have been originally a pupil of Shigenobu and Shigenaga. Most writers erroneously regard him as the same man who, under the name of Sanseido Tanaka Masunobu, produced two-colour prints in the forties, and hand coloured prints still earlier.
One of the Second Masunobu's pillar-prints, representing a girl with an open umbrella jumping from a balcony to meet a waiting lover, has a unique and most charming individuality of poise and colouring. His pillar-prints, of which about ten are known, are particularly fine.
UJIMASA, KAMEGAKI HOORIU, MURANOBU, TACHIBANA MINKO, BANTO, CHIRYU, RYUSHI, KISEN, and SUIYO are rare men who worked contemporaneously with Harunobu. The Hayashi Catalogue also names SHOHA, SOAN, SOGIKU, KOGAN and SEIKO.
KUNINOBU is an artist of extreme rarity, whose few surviving prints show distinction of line, based on the Harunobu manner. His work, done about 1775, stands out from the work of Harunobu's horde of followers; he was evidently a noteworthy artist, of whom one wishes we knew more.
FUJINOBU worked in the manner of Harunobu in the early seventies. His output was small, and little of his work survives. It may be that he was the same individual as Yamamoto Fujinobu, who has already been mentioned as Shigenaga's pupil.
KOMATSUKEN is a name signed to certain calendar-prints for the year 1765. The style is greatly like Harunobu's. His name may also be read _Shoshoken_. Mr. Gookin thinks him to be identical with Fusanobu, who has been previously mentioned.
HARUTSUGU and SUSUKI HARUJI, said by some to be the same person, produced a few pleasing prints about 1770.
His soul is a sword; His sword with the spirit's breath Is bathed of its terrible lord, In whose eyes is death.
And the massive control, And the lighted implacable eye Leash a fierce and exalted soul Of dark destiny.
With the strength of the hills-- Kiso's iron mountains of snow-- He waits: time brings and fulfills The hour for the blow.
He waits; and the white Full robes round his shoulders sway, With woof of pale orange alight, Pale green, pale grey.