Kunichika: Onoue Kikugoro as Kyumon no Ryukichi in Tattoo Shirt (SOLD)

Artist: Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900)
Title: Onoue Kikugoro as Kyumon no Ryukichi
Date: 1875
Series: Mitate Suikoden Torodai (Mitate Suikoden with Waterfalls)

Onoue Kikugoro as Kyumon no Ryukichi 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 draws his hand towel taut in his hands, perhaps about to create a headband with it, as he turns to face right against the backdrop of an icy waterfall. There are bright red flowers growing on the cliff rock behind him. His tattoo-mimicking garment features dragons. 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. Areas of lightly repaired wormage.
Dimensions: ôban (35.2 x 24 cm)
Signature: Toyohara Kunichika hitsu (with toshidama seal)

SKU: KCA110