Kabuki Actor - SOLD

Kabuki actor is a superb colored xylograph on parchment realized in 1848 by one of the greatest Japanese masters  Utagawa Kuniyoshi  (1798-1861).

Kabuki actor Ichimura Uzaemon XII in the role of princess Yaegaki, one of the favorite subjects represented by the artist, is portrayed with excellent technical skills and shiny colors. On the left, the inscription on plate: " Minatoya Kohei ". Signed on plate on the lower left margin: " Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga".

The decoration of the kimono of the actor is incredibly fancy with eye-catching calligraphy signs mixed with a paulownia leaf motif.

With some discolorations of the ink, a usual yellowing of the paper on the margins, and some minor defects; overall very good conditions, with vivid colors and an excellent inking.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861)

The Japanese painter and designer is considered one of the last great masters of Japanese ukiyo-e style painting and xylography. He transmitted all his knowledge, he was a teacher in one of the most important Japanese printing schools, the Utagawa School. He had numerous students who gave continuity to the school, among them Yoshitoshi, Yoshitora, Yoshiiku, Yoshikazu, Yoshitsuya, and Yoshifuji. Usually Kuniyoshi's students began their apprenticeships working mainly on the figure of the samurai, in a style similar to that of the master and having become independent artists, many went on to develop their own creative styles.
The repertoire of subjects that Kuniyoshi has portrayed throughout his life is very wide and includes landscapes, female figures, Kabuki theater actors, cats, fantastic animals, and episodes from Japanese mythology. He is also known for the lively representation of battles of legendary heroes, samurai deeds, and episodes of Japanese history.