Actors with Poems - Terrific kabuki print from an untitled series by Toyokuni III dating from 1861 to 1864. Each print features a half-length portrait of a popular actor in an imagined role, accompanied by a poem in a wood grain cartouche. Gengyo Miyagi designed most of the attractive landscape backgrounds. Dating from the last years of his life, these images demonstrate Toyokuni III's skill in creating expressive and finely nuanced portraits. Many feature luxurious printing touches, such as burnishing or embossing. A fine actor series by the artist, and a wonderful choice for the kabuki enthusiast.

Nakamura Shikan IV as Yamamoto Kansuke, 1861 - Great kabuki design of Nakamura Shikan IV as Hyakusho Yokozo nochi ni Yamamoto Kansuke. The character is from a play about two brothers quarreling over who will inherit their dead father's secret books of battlefield strategy, which have been buried in a bamboo grove. Yokozo is shown here struggling with his brother as the two dig for the buried chest in the middle of winter. He wears a beautifully shaded kimono with a bold stylized design. His curly hair is carefully drawn, and he wears impressive stage makeup. Snow falls gently over the bamboo grove in the background. Beautiful shading and delicate cloth embossing in the sky. A fantastic image from the series.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 9 1/8" + margins

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Lightly toned along edges with one horizontal crease running through subject. Slight remnants from previous backing with a few small tears along edges, repaired from reverse. Minor spotting and soiling in subject and margins. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.