Toyohara Kunichika

1835-1900

Six Selected Actors: Sawamura Tossho III, Ichikawa Sadanji I, Nakamura Shikan IV, Onoe Kikugoro V, Nakamura Sojuro, Kawarasaki Sansho
(Haiyu Rokka Sen: Sawamura Tossho III, Ichikawa Sadanji, Nakamura Shikan, Onoe Kikugoro, Nakamura Sojuro, Kawarasaki Sansho)

six oban; each signed Toyohara Kunichika hitsu with artist's Toshidama seal, five with publisher's seal Tori Ichi Manson han (Yorozuya Magobei of Kineido) and carver's seal Watanabe Ei, and five with date seal Tori-juni (year of the cock [1873], 12th month)

oban tate-e each approximately 14 3/4 by 9 7/8 in., 37.5 by 25 cm

These print comprise a set depicting onnagata actors wearing elaborate uchikake (outer-robes) in bust-portraits framed by the distinctive arches of Western-style umbrellas, creating an interesting juxtaposition of imagery from the traditional kabuki theater against a recognizable foreign element.

The actors names are are found in the red vertical cartouche along with their roles identified in the adjacent vertical yellow cartouche, presented here from left to right:

1. Sawamura Tossho III (1875-1949) in the role of Kanzesui no Okiku
2. Ichikawa Sadanji I (1842-1904) in the role of Otsuta
3. Nakamura Shikan IV (1831-1899) in the role of Uraume no Outa
4. Onoe Kikugoro V (1844-1903) in the role of Terashima Omatsu
5. Nakamura Sojuro (dates unknown) in the role of Okame
6. Kawarasaki Sansho (1838-1903)

Kunichika revisited this format in the same year, expanding beyond the six indicated by a Rokkasen theme, with a group of seven new designs accompanied by a title page for the series.

Reference:
Nobutaka Imamura, ed. Ukiyo-e (Kunichika), Kyoto University of Art & Design, March 2018, p. 17, nos. 105-110; and p. 18, nos. 118-126
(inv. no. 10-5326)

price: Sold