Yokkaichi: Iwai Hanshiro VI as Gaku no Osan

by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Current Status

Yokkaichi: Iwai Hanshiro VI as Gaku no Osan  by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Original Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864) Japanese Woodblock Print
Yokkaichi: Iwai Hanshiro VI as Gaku no Osan

Series; The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido, 1852

Toyokuni III's Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido - Toyokuni III's 1852 series "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido" pairs kabuki portraits with the stations along the famous Tokaido Road. Each design features a half-length figure in the foreground, with a border of clouds separating the actor from the landscape above. Interestingly, the title cartouche of each print is framed by different objects related to the kabuki character or play, including armor and weapons, household objects, flowers, horse equipment, and traveler's clothing and baggage. The large expressive characters are beautifully drawn and detailed, with fine line work in the hair and soft bokashi shading in the backgrounds.

The exact number of prints for the series is unclear, because two prints exist for some stations, and some intermediate stations are also included. Where there are two designs of the same subject, the background landscape continues across the two prints. This handsome series proved extremely popular when released, and remains a favorite of collectors today.

Yokkaichi: Iwai Hanshiro VI as Gaku no Osan - Wonderful portrait of the actor Iwai Hanshiro VI in the role of the beauty Gaku no Osan. She is shown in the guise of an otokodate or street knight, armed with a sword and a shakuhachi flute, a blue and white towel tied around her shoulders. She looks over her shoulder with a horrified expression, her eyes wide and mouth agape. She wears a pretty striped kimono with stylized floral motifs in the stripes, and her hair is pulled back into a large bun adorned with a lacquer comb with irises on it. The landscape above shows the village of Yokkaichi along the ocean, with the masts of ships jutting up above the rooftops. A very expressive design with fine line work in the hair, and soft shading.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14" x 10" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Slight paper remnants on reverse at top corners from previous folio mounting. A couple small wormholes, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Yokkaichi: Iwai Hanshiro VI as Gaku no Osan  by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)
Yokkaichi: Iwai Hanshiro VI as Gaku no Osan  by Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

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