Ichimura Uzaemon XV as Iriya Naozamurai, 1925

by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Current Status

Ichimura Uzaemon XV as Iriya Naozamurai, 1925 by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Original Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960) Japanese Woodblock Print
Ichimura Uzaemon XV as Iriya Naozamurai, 1925

Series; Thirty-six Portraits of Actors in Various Roles

A Special Group - In today's auctions we are pleased to offer a special group of outstanding kabuki portraits by Natori Shunsen, considered one of the masters of shin-hanga actor prints. These fantastic designs are all from his "Creative Prints, Collected Portraits of Shunsen," a series lavishly published by Watanabe in a limited edition of only 150 prints. This rare series includes some of Shunsen's most highly regarded designs. Each woodblock comes with its original paper folder with title slip listing the actor's name and role, a rare find and a great addition for a collector. Don't miss this opportunity to add a rare shin-hanga masterwork by Natori Shunsen to your own collection!

Ichimura Uzaemon XV as Iriya Naozamurai, 1925 - Incredible okubi-e or large head portrait of Ichimura Uzaemon XV as the robber Iriya Naozamurai in the kabuki play "Naozamurai." Formerly a low-ranking samurai, Naozamurai has tuned to a life of crime. He is shown staring ahead with a grim expression, his eyes shadowed in brown and unshaven chin give him a haggard appearance. He has a dotted cloth tied around his head against the cold air, and wears a striped kimono with a black collar over a blue plaid under robe. Snow falls heavily through the wintry gray sky, providing a strong graphic backdrop for the bold figure. Drawn with sensitive line work and enhanced with a shimmering mica background. A stunning, expressive image and an absolute masterwork by Shunsen. Considered by many as the best design from this outstanding series. A fantastic and rare subject for the serious shin hanga collector.

Publisher - Watanabe, with "Watanabe ko" seal at lower right
Sealed - Signed "Shunsen hitsu" with red "Shunsen" seal in subject, with artist's red stamp of approval at lower left corner

Artist - Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Image Size - Image 14 7/8" x 10 1/8" + margins as shown; folder 17" x 12"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Faint toning at edges. Please see photos for details. Nice overall. Folder: Faint toning, a few small spots, pencil notation in top left corner.

Ichimura Uzaemon XV as Iriya Naozamurai, 1925 by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)
Ichimura Uzaemon XV as Iriya Naozamurai, 1925 by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)
Ichimura Uzaemon XV as Iriya Naozamurai, 1925 by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

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