Matches for the Kana Syllables - Handsome design from Kunichika's 1866 series "Matches for the Kana Syllables," which pairs a large kabuki portrait with the matoi or standard of one of Edo's many fire brigades. The city's firefighters were organized into groups designated by a single kana syllable, and the name of the kabuki character depicted starts with the same syllable as the chosen brigade. Syllables suggesting words with bad or unlucky meanings were replaced with numbers. These lively images include expressive figures and vibrant color. Many include deluxe printing techniques such as burnishing, embossing, or soft bokashi shading. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has many of these designs in its collection. An interesting early Kunichika kabuki series.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 3/8" x 8 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Partially backed with paper. A few small holes, small loss and thinning at lower left corner, repaired, blends well. Slight soiling, slight rubbing near edges. Please see photos for details. Good condition overall.