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Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Sukeroku, 1860 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864) and Kunimaro (active circa 1850 - 1875)

Original Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864) and Kunimaro (active circa 1850 - 1875) Japanese Woodblock Print
Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Sukeroku, 1860

Series; Mirror of Ancient Times in Modern Style

Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Sukeroku, 1860 - Terrific kabuki print featuring three images set against a deep blue background. The fan-shaped inset at lower right shows a portrait of Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as the otokodate or street knight Sukeroku, looking over his shoulder with a stern frown. He wears a black kimono with a floral crest on the shoulders, and an umbrella with a matching crest on it. A gray sash is tied rakishly around his forehead, and a shakuhachi flute can be seen at his back. An inset at left shows a courtesan from an earlier era smoking a pipe next to a lamp. The oval-shaped mirror above depicts an earlier style scene of two warriors fighting in the Yoshiwara as courtesans and other pedestrians watch, rendered in only shades of gray and black. An intriguing design from a very rarely seen Toyokuni III series, nicely detailed with burnishing in the black kimono. The only reference for this rare subject was Waseda University in Tokyo.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864) and Kunimaro (active circa 1850 - 1875)

Image Size - 14 1/2" x 9 3/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. A few faint creases. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Sukeroku, 1860 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864) and Kunimaro (active circa 1850 - 1875)
Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Sukeroku, 1860 by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864) and Kunimaro (active circa 1850 - 1875)

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