Yoshitoshi: Early Tattooed Actor Diptych (Sold)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Title: Early Tattooed Actor Diptych
Date: 12/1859

“Fashionable Men with Impressive Bare Bodies” (Tôsei otoko suhada hyakkan). One of the few works that Yoshitoshi published in the 1850s, done when he was perhaps 19 years old. Two boldly tattooed actors holding lanterns pose in front of a darkened street. Instead of being a portrait of a specific play, this is a mitate-e, or humorous comparison featuring Danjûrô IX in a fictive role on the right, and Nakamura Shikan IV on the left.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Fold near left margin of left sheet.
Dimensions: ôban diptych
Publisher: Kakumotoya Kinjirô
Literature: Keyes number 6. See Freis catalog number 2, page 50.
Seal: Kiri

SKU: YOT647