One Hundred Roles of Baiko - In 1893, Kunichika was commissioned to create the series "One Hundred Roles of Baiko," chronicling the diverse characters played by the famous actor Onoe Kikugoro V, whose pen name was "Baiko." These fantastic prints feature a large portrait of Kikugoro V in one of his major roles, along with a small scene showing a supporting actor from the same play. These exquisite images were printed to the highest standards, using expensive techniques and materials such as burnishing, embossing, and mica. Beautifully drawn and composed, each print demonstrates Kunichika's skill in creating expressive characters, bringing each role to life on the page. A great choice for a kabuki enthusiast or Kunichika collector.

The Judgment of Ten'ichibo - Handsome portrait of Baiko as Ten'ichibo, a priest who claimed to be the son of the shogun. Based on a real-life character, Ten'ichibo faced a tribunal in Edo who examined his claim and found it to be false, resulting in his execution. Here, Ten'ichibo stares ahead with a sober expression as he awaits his judgment. He wears a beautiful purple robe patterned with colorful phoenixes and blossoms over a white kimono tucked into red hakama pants, and he holds a fan in his hand. His hair is smoothed back away from his face, left to curl up at the ends over his shoulder. The inset above shows Bando Hikosaburo V as the magistrate Ooka Echizen no Kami, the governor of Echizen. Nicely detailed with delicate embossing in the white kimono.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 9" x 13 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Slight soiling, a few creases, very slight rubbing, offsetting. Please see photos for details.