Kataoka Nizaoemon XI as Kyudanme Kakogawa Honzo, 1926 - Incredible kabuki portrait of Kataoka Nizaoemon XI as Kyudanme Kakogawa Honzo, the loyal retainer of Lord Wakasanosuke in the classic play "Kanadehon Chushingura." In this scene, he appears disguised as a komuso or wandering monk, staring ahead with an unhappy grimace. His face is lined, and his hair is graying, but he holds himself stiffly erect. He wears a beautiful gray and black mantle featuring cranes and swirling clouds over an intricately patterned kimono with a design of tigers and leaves. A shakuhachi flute can be seen in the foreground, and his deep basket hat behind him. The figure is set off by a subtle gray mica background. A fantastic shin hanga image by Natori Shunsen, lavishly published by Watanabe in a limited edition of only 150 prints.

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

Artist - Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Image Size - 14 7/8" x 10" + margins

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Lightly toned in margins with faint horizontal creasing in subject. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.