Comments - Terrific kaomise banzuke program advertising the annual kaomise or "facing showing," an important ceremony celebrating the start of a new theatrical year and a new theater troupe. Traditionally held in the eleventh month of the year, kaomise performances included actors in a variety of strong roles in full costume. Several warriors in armor are shown in the center, grimacing and frowning angrily, surrounded by smaller portraits of other roles. A banzuke or list runs across the top featuring the actors' names. A classic kabuki woodblock with wonderful detail in the expressive faces.

Artist - Kiyomitsu II (1787 - 1868)

Image Size - 11 3/4" x 16" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent detail as shown. Partially backed with thin paper. Small loss at bottom left corner, repaired, blends well. A few small holes. Toning, staining, and creasing. Please see photos for details.