Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Asakura Togo, 1884

by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Current Status

Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Asakura Togo, 1884 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Original Kunichika (1835 - 1900) Japanese Woodblock Print
Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Asakura Togo, 1884

Comments - Great kabuki portrait of Ichikawa Danjuro IX in the role of Asakura Togo leaving his family during a snowstorm. A local mayor, he petitioned the shogun directly for tax relief for his town, bypassing the crooked governor Orikoshi Masatomo. Facing execution for this illegal act, he left his family. Here, he lifts his hat for one last look at his beloved wife and children, who watch from the window of their home at upper right. His wife stares ahead with a stricken expression, holding their middle son up on the window sill while clutching an infant to her chest. He stares back with a grim frown as snow falls over the winter landscape. Beautifully detailed with a hand-applied spattering of white pigment to indicate the falling snow, and soft shading in the water and sky.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 28" x 14 1/4"

Condition - This triptych with excellent color and detail. Three separate panels. Backed with old paper. A few light spots. A tear in right panel repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Asakura Togo, 1884 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)
Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Asakura Togo, 1884 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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