Natori Shunsen 名取春仙: Sawamura Sojuro VII as Narihira Reizo 七代目沢村宗十郎　業平礼三 (Sold)

Artist: Natori Shunsen 名取春仙
Title: Sawamura Sojuro VII as Narihira Reizo 七代目沢村宗十郎　業平礼三

Series: Creative Prints, Collection of Portraits by Shunsen Shunsen (Sosaku hanga Shunsen Nigao-e Shu)   Date: 1927

Sawamura Sojuro VII as Narihira Reizo of Koiogahara. Shunsen has used the underside of the splendid umbrella the actor carries against the snow as something of a halo, focusing our attention on the intense and nuanced expression of the actor. The snow falls in plump cottony circles, each one unique. Lawrence Smith notes that Shunsen “had the ability to convey the actor’s own personality through the makeup...”. This print is completely unfaded, with the soft pink still on the actor’s face and the brilliance of the colors giving this work strong impact that conveys the elegance and nuance of the actor’s performance. This series was lavishly produced in a limited edition of 150 impressions that Watanabe sold by subscription only. The 1930 Toledo Museum of Art exhibition included Shunsen as one of only ten shin hanga artists in its groundbreaking show.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. 
Dimensions: 40.2 x 27.2 cm
Publisher: Watanabe Shôzaburô
Literature: See Smith 1983 / The Japanese Print Since 1900: Old dreams and new visions, page 53  and 77.  See Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, British Museum. 

SKU: SNS023