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 Jakuemon III as Oshichi, 1927 - Intriguing portrait of Nakamura Jakuemon III as Yaoya Oshichi, a tragic young beauty who is sentenced to death after starting a large fire. The scene depicts "ningyoburi," a style of acting imitating the exaggerated motions of puppets. Two shadowy assistants dressed from head to toe in black act as puppeteers, giving the illusion of manipulating the performer. Oshichi wears a beautiful kimono striped in soft violet, dark and light blue, and white, her long sleeves and colorful tie-dyed obi flowing around her as she moves. Beautifully detailed with swirling baren marks in the light gray background and soft pink shading on her face. A fascinating design.

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

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. Drying hole in top left corner. Faint toning at edges, a few small spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall. Folder: Faint toning and spotting, pencil notation in top left corner.