Toyohara Kunichika, Kabuki Banzuke woodblock print 1860s
Kabuki Banzuke polychrome woodblock print(s) by Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) of a Kabuki actor.
This print is actually two prints put together to tell a larger story. It is approximately 140 years old, dates to approximately 1863.
Kabuki Jōruri banzuke were printed playbills or programs that advertised and described an upcoming or ongoing performance or event. These playbills were an important part of the commercial theatre world of kabuki and the puppet theatre, and they are important historical materials for research on these traditions.
Image size: 14" x 19" Frame size: 24" x 30" with new archival matte and backing.
Dynamic and exciting movement that tells a story.
In excellent condition, no holes and very limited fading.
If you would prefer that we ship without the frame, we are happy to do that. The archival matte and backing are new, the frame is not.
Toyohara Kunichika was born Yasohachi Arakawa, the son of a public bathhouse proprietor in the artisan section of Edo. As a young man, he studied with the ukiyo-e artist Chikanobu, from whom he received his artist name. He then apprenticed under Kunisada and began to produce actor prints in the Utagawa style, though he never used the Utagawa name. Kunichika married and had one daughter, though his marriage ended due to his questionable personal conduct.
Known for his actor okubi-e (big-head portraits), Kunichika's prints captured a traditional genre with the bold new colours of aniline dyes. He made great use of the deep, scarlet red to dramatic effect. In addition, he produced some historical prints and journalistic illustrations.
Passionate about kabuki theatre, Kunichika regularly spent time backstage, sketching the actors and watching the plays. This wealth of personal experience in the theatre lends an intimacy to his impeccable yakusha-e (actor prints). Before the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Kunichika was chosen by the Japanese government to present his work at the 1867 World Exhibition in Paris.
NOTE: This requires a custom shipping quote. Please contact us before purchase. We are able to de-frame and ship flat if preferred.
Kabuki Banzuke polychrome woodblock print(s) by Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) of a Kabuki actor.
This print is actually two prints put together to tell a larger story. It is approximately 140 years old, dates to approximately 1863.
Kabuki Jōruri banzuke were printed playbills or programs that advertised and described an upcoming or ongoing performance or event. These playbills were an important part of the commercial theatre world of kabuki and the puppet theatre, and they are important historical materials for research on these traditions.
Image size: 14" x 19" Frame size: 24" x 30" with new archival matte and backing.
Dynamic and exciting movement that tells a story.
In excellent condition, no holes and very limited fading.
If you would prefer that we ship without the frame, we are happy to do that. The archival matte and backing are new, the frame is not.
Toyohara Kunichika was born Yasohachi Arakawa, the son of a public bathhouse proprietor in the artisan section of Edo. As a young man, he studied with the ukiyo-e artist Chikanobu, from whom he received his artist name. He then apprenticed under Kunisada and began to produce actor prints in the Utagawa style, though he never used the Utagawa name. Kunichika married and had one daughter, though his marriage ended due to his questionable personal conduct.
Known for his actor okubi-e (big-head portraits), Kunichika's prints captured a traditional genre with the bold new colours of aniline dyes. He made great use of the deep, scarlet red to dramatic effect. In addition, he produced some historical prints and journalistic illustrations.
Passionate about kabuki theatre, Kunichika regularly spent time backstage, sketching the actors and watching the plays. This wealth of personal experience in the theatre lends an intimacy to his impeccable yakusha-e (actor prints). Before the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Kunichika was chosen by the Japanese government to present his work at the 1867 World Exhibition in Paris.
NOTE: This requires a custom shipping quote. Please contact us before purchase. We are able to de-frame and ship flat if preferred.
Kabuki Banzuke polychrome woodblock print(s) by Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) of a Kabuki actor.
This print is actually two prints put together to tell a larger story. It is approximately 140 years old, dates to approximately 1863.
Kabuki Jōruri banzuke were printed playbills or programs that advertised and described an upcoming or ongoing performance or event. These playbills were an important part of the commercial theatre world of kabuki and the puppet theatre, and they are important historical materials for research on these traditions.
Image size: 14" x 19" Frame size: 24" x 30" with new archival matte and backing.
Dynamic and exciting movement that tells a story.
In excellent condition, no holes and very limited fading.
If you would prefer that we ship without the frame, we are happy to do that. The archival matte and backing are new, the frame is not.
Toyohara Kunichika was born Yasohachi Arakawa, the son of a public bathhouse proprietor in the artisan section of Edo. As a young man, he studied with the ukiyo-e artist Chikanobu, from whom he received his artist name. He then apprenticed under Kunisada and began to produce actor prints in the Utagawa style, though he never used the Utagawa name. Kunichika married and had one daughter, though his marriage ended due to his questionable personal conduct.
Known for his actor okubi-e (big-head portraits), Kunichika's prints captured a traditional genre with the bold new colours of aniline dyes. He made great use of the deep, scarlet red to dramatic effect. In addition, he produced some historical prints and journalistic illustrations.
Passionate about kabuki theatre, Kunichika regularly spent time backstage, sketching the actors and watching the plays. This wealth of personal experience in the theatre lends an intimacy to his impeccable yakusha-e (actor prints). Before the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Kunichika was chosen by the Japanese government to present his work at the 1867 World Exhibition in Paris.
NOTE: This requires a custom shipping quote. Please contact us before purchase. We are able to de-frame and ship flat if preferred.
