Item #369268 Toyohara Kunichika Japanese Woodblock Print: Nakamura Shikan as a Shamisen Player. Original 19th century colour woodblock print Japan: Undated, c. late 19th century. Unframed. Fine condition. KABUKI ACTORS.
Toyohara Kunichika Japanese Woodblock Print: Nakamura Shikan as a Shamisen Player. Original 19th century colour woodblock print Japan: Undated, c. late 19th century. Unframed. Fine condition.
Toyohara Kunichika Japanese Woodblock Print: Nakamura Shikan as a Shamisen Player. Original 19th century colour woodblock print Japan: Undated, c. late 19th century. Unframed. Fine condition.

Toyohara Kunichika Japanese Woodblock Print: Nakamura Shikan as a Shamisen Player. Original 19th century colour woodblock print Japan: Undated, c. late 19th century. Unframed. Fine condition.

Japan: Undated, c.late 19th century. Fine Condition. Item #369268

An appealing and well preserved original colour woodblock print by Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900), measuring 24 x 37 cm. Provenance: The Japanese Gallery, London. Kunichika, one of the final great masters of the ukiyo-e tradition, devoted his career to capturing the vitality of the kabuki stage. Apprenticed at thirteen to Utagawa Kunisada, he developed a keen sensitivity to theatrical gesture, costume, and the emotional charge of performance, qualities that define his celebrated yakusha-e actor portraits. Working during the transition from the Edo to the Meiji period, Kunichika remained a steadfast advocate for traditional woodblock printing even as new technologies reshaped Japanese visual culture. His prints are distinguished by bold compositions, saturated colour, and a dramatic sensibility rooted in his deep affinity with the theatre. His characteristic palette, rich reds, purples, and luminous contrasts, heightens the expressive force of his subjects. This example, depicting Nakamura Shikan in the role of a shamisen player, showcases Kunichika’s ability to convey poise, musicality, and stage presence with remarkable clarity. The refined detailing and theatrical immediacy are hallmarks of his mature style. As one of the last great practitioners of ukiyo-e, Kunichika’s work forms a vital bridge between two transformative eras in Japan’s artistic history. Size: 24 x 37 cms. Text is in Japanese. Category: PRINTS : Antiquarian Interest; Antiquarian & Rare; Japanese Interest; PRINTS : Historic Interest; Japanese Language; Special Interest B. This item may require more postage than the rates shown for delivery outside the UK. If extra postage is required we will contact you before processing your order and you will be given the details and option to decline the extra cost.

Keywords: BZDB395 PRINTS : Antiquarian Interest; Antiquarian & Rare; Japanese Interest; PRINTS : Historic Interest; Japanese Language; Special Interest B. KABUKI ACTORS Toyohara Kunichika Japanese Woodblock Print: Nakamura Shikan as a Shamisen Player. Orig

Price: £120.00

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