Fine printing from the respected Tokyo publisher Oedo Mokuhansha - These classic designs were produced by the well known Tokyo publisher Oedo Mokuhansha amidst a resurgence of interest in ukiyo-e. Like many of these traditional businesses, the woodblock print craft was passed down through generations, and the Oedo Mokuhansha company was formed by descendents of an Edo era publisher. These are nice early prints of the highest quality standards and an excellent choice if you are looking for fine old woodblock reprints.

Comments - Fantastic Sharaku portrait of the actor Ichikawa Yaozo III in the role of Tanabe Bunzo. Having fallen on hard times, the samurai is impoverished and crippled, and he stares ahead with unseeing eyes and a look of desperation. His shoulders are slumped, his arms tightly folded across his chest, the top of his head unshaven and bristling with short hair. Sharaku beautifully captures the loneliness and despair of the young man, who will soon meet his death at the hands of a murderer. A wonderful composition with a shimmering mica background. A handsome and moving character from the kabuki play "Hana Ayame Bunroku Soga."

Artist - Sharaku (active 1794 - 1795)

Image Size - 15 1/4" x 10 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Drying holes in left corners in margin, repaired. Light toning, small dark spot near upper right edge. Please see photos for details. Good overall.