Utagawa Kunisada: Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Naoe Yamashiro (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)
Title: Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Naoe Yamashiro
Date: 1861
Signature: Toyokuni ga

The actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX is shown clutching a baby to his chest and holding up his traveling hat as a shield from the falling snow. The contrast between his emotive white visage and dark robes and sky makes his strong expression even more striking. This scarce print depicts the actor Kawarazaki Gonjuro (Ichikawa Danjuro IX, 1838-1903) in the role of Naoe Yamashiro, who is in reality the farmer Jihizo, from the play Honcho nijushiko (Twenty-Four Examples of Filial Piety in Japan) which was staged at the Ichimura Theater in the 9th month of 1861. The kabuki play is centered on the struggles between the Uesugi and Takeda clans and two brothers who end up on opposite sides of the conflict. 

Size: ôban 37.7 x 25.8 cm.  
Condition: Excellent impression. Very good color and condition.

SKU: KUC028S