A Special Group - In today's auctions we are pleased to offer a special group of outstanding kabuki portraits by Natori Shunsen, considered one of the masters of shin-hanga actor prints. These fantastic designs are all from his "Creative Prints, Collected Portraits of Shunsen," a series lavishly published by Watanabe in a limited edition of only 150 prints. This rare series includes some of Shunsen's most highly regarded designs. Each woodblock comes with its original paper folder with title slip listing the actor's name and role, a rare find and a great addition for a collector. Don't miss this opportunity to add a rare shin-hanga masterwork by Natori Shunsen to your own collection!

Nakamura Tokizo III and Ichikawa Omezo IV in the Crane and Tortoise, 1928 - Attractive kabuki double portrait of Nakamura Tokizo III and Ichikawa Omezo IV in the kabuki play "Tsurukame" (Crane and Tortoise). The beauty's robe vest flutters above her head as she gracefully extends her arm, a fan in her other hand. She wears a beautiful headdress topped with swirling pink clouds and a figurine of a crane, trimmed with beaded fringe. Her companion kneels before her, holding an ornate cap aloft with a figure of a tortoise with a mossy tail. Lovely color and detail in this beautiful image.

Publisher - Watanabe, with "Watanabe ko" seal at lower right
Sealed - Signed "Shunsen hosha" with unidentified red seal in subject, with artist's red stamp of approval at lower left corner

Artist - Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Image Size - Image 15" x 10 1/8" + margins as shown; folder 17" x 12"

Condition - Print: With excellent color and detail as shown. Faint toning at edges, very slight small smudge at top left. Please see photos for details. Nice overall. Folder: Faint toning, a few small spots, pencil notation in top left corner.