Utagawa Yoshiiku: Silhouette of the Actor Bandô Hikosaburô V Holding Teacup 五代目坂東彦三郎

Artist: Ochiai (Utagawa) Yoshiiku (1833-1904)
Title: Actor Bandô Hikosaburô V 五代目坂東彦三郎

Series: Portraits as True Likenesses in the Moonlight  真寫月花の姿絵 
Date: 1867

Portrait of the actor Bandô Hikosaburô V holding a teapcup. This interesting series was inspired by popular shadow performances, which were performed in front of a sliding door with a bright light behind them, as well as the development of photographs by camera.  Yoshiiku created this series of works that portray the silhouettes of 36 famous actors, comparing them to the 36 Immortal Poets. They seem to have been done from life, with the actors actually sitting for their portraits behind a screen, as this is illustrated in the preface for the series. It is unusual in ukiyo-e to see actors portrayed in a way that may be today considered “realistic”, as features were generally stylized within certain artistic conventions. Above  right we see the actor in a more conventional portrait within a flower-shaped cartouche. A related poem is above, perhaps written or inspired by the actor. This work has beautiful woodgrain and the main silhouette has added bokashi around the edges, giving the profile more depth and interest than the examples that lack the bokashi. Early impression. The MFA has a number of works from this series, but this example would seem to be in superior condition.

Condition: Excellent impression and color. Very good condition. With minor wormage at right and a few minor spots.
Dimensions: ôban (36.5 x 23.4 cm)
Publisher: Maruya Tokuzo
Literature:  See Metropolitan Museum of Art, MFA Boston for their examples.

Signature: Chokairo Yoshiiku mo

SKU: YII046