Onoe Kikugoro as Motoemon in Tengajaya, 1925

by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Current Status

Onoe Kikugoro as Motoemon in Tengajaya, 1925  by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Original Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960) Japanese Woodblock Print
Onoe Kikugoro as Motoemon in Tengajaya, 1925

Series; Thirty-six Portraits of Actors in Various Roles

Onoe Kikugoro as Motoemon in Tengajaya, 1925 - Fantastic shin hanga kabuki portrait of Onoe Kikugoro in the role of the wicked servant Motoemon in the play "Tengajaya." He grips his sword with an angry grimace, drawing back the blade, ready to strike. His feet are planted firmly apart, and his checked kimono is tucked up at the waist for easier movement. His scowling face seems the personification of evil in this emotional portrait. A terrific design featuring a softly shaded gray background wit swirling baren marks.

An outstanding kabuki portrait by Natori Shunsen, considered one of the masters of shin hanga actor prints. This fantastic designs is from his "Thirty-six Portraits of Actors in Various Roles," 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. The 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.

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

Artist - Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

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

Condition - Print: This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Drying holes at left corners, faint stain in subject, a few small spots in margins, a few faint creases near edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall. Folder: Toning, spotting, and creasing, slight rubbing.

Onoe Kikugoro as Motoemon in Tengajaya, 1925  by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)
Onoe Kikugoro as Motoemon in Tengajaya, 1925  by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)
Onoe Kikugoro as Motoemon in Tengajaya, 1925  by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

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