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.

Yotsuya Ghost Story - Handsome design from the kabuki play "Tokaido Yotsuya Kaidan," which tells the story of the villainous ronin Iemon, who poisoned his wife Oiwa because he lusted after her sister. Here Baiko portrays the long-suffering Oiwa, clutching the mosquito net from her bed. In the inset above, Iemon (played by Nakamura Shikan) drags the net off to a pawnshop to pay for his drinking. She frowns, eyeing her husband suspiciously, as he glares back at her. Fine line work in the woman's delicate hairline, with a dusting of mica across the background, plus embossing in the blue headband. A wonderful scene from one of the most famous Japanese ghost stories.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Slight soiling, faint toning, light offsetting. Please see photos for details. Good overall.