Kunichika: Ichikawa Sadanji Beneath a Waterfall with Tattoo Shirt (Sold)

Artist: Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900)
Title: Ichikawa Sadanji Beneath a Waterfall in the role of Shinkichi
Date: 1875
Series: Mitate Suikoden Torodai (Mitate Suikoden with Waterfalls)

Ichikawa Sadanji plays Hanaosho Shinkichi in this fantasy portrait of this popular actor in this specific role. Prints that showed imaginary portraits seemed quite popular in the late 19th century–perhaps akin to today’s fantasy football. Here the actor crosses his arms as the cold waterfall spills across his shoulders. He wears a jacket that has the design of a tattoo of red flowers against a blue background. Kabuki actors must have had special garments that were tight-fitting to mimic tattoos when the role called for it.

Condition: Excellent impression and color. Very good condition. Some repaired wormage.
Dimensions: ôban (35.7 x 25 cm)
Signature: Toyohara Kunichika hitsu (with toshidama seal)

SKU: KCA109