Kunichika: Kabuki Actor with Full Bodysuit Tattoo of Dragon and Clouds (Sold)

Artist: Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900)
Title: Tattooed Ichikawa Kuzo and Nkamura Shikan
Series: Arigataki Megumi no Hanagata 有瀧恵花形 Kabuki Stars Before a Gracious Waterfall
Date: 1883

Here we see Ichikawa Kuzo as Kyumonryu no Koumori and Nakamura Shikan as Gonsai Okoma. These are famous actors in well-known roles, the pretext being that we are able to glimpse them relaxing at a waterfall; it offers us  the opportunity to admire the the full-body irezumi tattoo of each actor. Beautifully printed, with mica at the top of the waterfall and metal pigments in the fan that Shikan is holding. Kuzo is drying himself with a towel, giving us a terrific view of his full-body dragon and clouds irezumi tattoo.  This set of five works contains a pair of actors posed in front of a waterfall on each sheet, with the title cartouche present on every design. Together the five also form a pentaptych.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Untrimmed and unbacked.
Dimensions: ôban (37 x 25 cm)
Signature: Toyohara Kunichika hitsu (with toshidama seal)
Publisher: Kamiyama Seichichi

SKU: KCA105