Acteurs

Best.-Nr. 369264 — Japan Undated c.late 19th century. Fine Condition. An elegant and well preserved original colour woodblock print by Toyohara Kunichika 1835-1900 measuring 24 x 37 cm. Provenance: The Japanese Gallery London. Kunichika one of the final great exponents of the ukiyo-e tradition devoted much of his career to the world of kabuki. Apprenticed at thirteen to Utagawa Kunisada he developed an instinctive command of theatrical expression gesture costume and the heightened emotional register of performance. His celebrated yakusha-e actor portraits capture not only likeness but the charged atmosphere of the stage. Working during the transition from the Edo to the Meiji era Kunichika remained a loyal defender of traditional woodblock printing even as new technologies reshaped Japanese visual culture. His prints are distinguished by bold compositions saturated colour and a dramatic sensibility that reflects his deep affinity with the theatre. His characteristic use of rich reds and purples lends his work a distinctive intensity. This example portraying the actor Sawamura Tossho in a female role demonstrates Kunichika’s ability to convey poise elegance and theatrical presence with remarkable clarity. The refined palette and expressive detailing are hallmarks of his mature style. As one of the last masters of ukiyo-e Kunichika’s work forms a vital link between two transformative periods in Japan’s artistic history. Size: 24 x 37 cms. Text is in Japanese. Category: PRINTS : Antiquarian Interest; Antiquarian & Rare; Japanese Interest; Japanese Language; PRINTS : Historic Interest. This item may require more postage than the rates shown for delivery outside the UK. If extra postage is required we will contact you before processing your order and you will be given the details and option to decline the extra cost. unknown