Yoshitoshi 芳年: Memories of Onoe Kikugoro IV 四代目尾上菊五郎 死絵 (Sold)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 月岡芳年 (1839-1892)
Title: Memories of Onoe Kikugoro IV 四代目尾上菊五郎 死絵
Date: 1860

Scarce and creative shini-e (memorial portrait) of the kabuki actor Onoe Kikugoro IV. He must have specialized in female roles, a wee see the actor as a bijin. She holds a Buddhist rosary and wears softly patterned kimono, and looks with lively interest towards the left part of the work. Behind her are patterns of blue flowers; she is shown on a lantern against a green bamboo blind. Two butterflies flit about the design. To the left are poems, either poems by the actor himself or poems by admirers and friends. Yoshitoshi was only about 21 years of age here, but this work stands out from other shini-e. A scarce design.
Condition: Very good impression, color and condition. Some repaired wormage. Unbacked.
Dimensions: ôban diptych 35 cm x 24.5 cm each sheet
Publisher: Kadokin
Literature: Keyes number 24.

SKU: YOT904