Onoe Kikugoro VI as Omatsuri Sashichi, 1931

by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Current Status

Onoe Kikugoro VI as Omatsuri Sashichi, 1931 by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Original Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960) Japanese Woodblock Print
Onoe Kikugoro VI as Omatsuri Sashichi, 1931

Series; Supplement of Fifteen Actor Portraits in Various Roles

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!

Onoe Kikugoro VI as Omatsuri Sashichi, 1931 - Terrific kabuki portrait of Onoe Kikugoro VI as the fireman Omatsuri Sashichi, who ends up murdering his lover, the beautiful geisha Koito. He stares over his shoulder with a troubled expression, frowning with a look of disdain. He wears a short blue jacket patterned with flowers over blue pants, a dotted towel draped over his shoulder. A low bench at right is covered with a red cloth, and two small inset squares above show a green print and an image of a red paper lantern blowing in the breeze. A handsome, expressive figure with fine bokashi shading in the background and swirling baren marks near the bottom. This image comes from a series of fifteen prints supplementing Shunsen's slightly earlier series of "Thirty-six Portraits of Actors in Various Roles."

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

Artist - Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Image Size - Image 14 7/8" 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. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall. Folder: Faint toning, a few small spots, pencil notation in top left corner.

Onoe Kikugoro VI as Omatsuri Sashichi, 1931 by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)
Onoe Kikugoro VI as Omatsuri Sashichi, 1931 by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

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