| Method | Woodblock (nishiki-e) |
| Artist | Kunichika Toyoharu (1835-1900) |
| Published | 1883 |
| Dimensions | Ôban tate-e triptych [Each sheet ~15.6 x 10.7 inches] |
| Notes |
Artist signature: Kunimasa Publisher: Yoshida Kiyomatsu An unusual triptych depicting several actors with text above describing their fame and salaries. The nine actors appear on a vibrant red background, each dressed as a character they were most known for playing. Kunichika Toyohara (1835–1900) born Arakawa Yasohachi, was talented as a child and at about thirteen he became a student of Tokyo's then-leading print maker, Utagawa Kunisada. His deep appreciation and knowledge of kabuki drama led to his production primarily of ukiyo-e actor-prints, woodblock prints of kabuki actors and scenes from popular plays of the time. An alcoholic and womanizer, Kunichika also portrayed beautiful women (bijin-ga), contemporary social life, and a few landscapes and historical scenes. He worked successfully in the Edo period, and carried those traditions into the Meiji period. To his contemporaries and now to some modern art historians, this has been seen as a significant achievement during a transitional period of great social and political change in Japan's history. Condition: Areas of thinning to sheet edges. Some minor ink bleed. |
| Framing | framed |
| Price | £650.00 |
| Stock ID | 52419 |