Onoe Eizaburo as Okaru, 1926

by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Current Status

Onoe Eizaburo as Okaru, 1926 by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Original Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960) Japanese Woodblock Print
Onoe Eizaburo as Okaru, 1926

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!

Onoe Eizaburo as Okaru, 1926 - Handsome portrait of Onoe Eizaburo VII as the beauty Okaru in the classic kabuki play "Kanadehon Chushingura," which tells the story of the 47 ronin. She clutches two swords to her shoulder as she kneels on the floor, her head tilted to the side. She looks out of the corners of her eyes with a slightly wary expression. She wears a blue striped apron over her rust colored kimono and a red under robe with a purple tie-dyed collar. Her hair is pulled back into a smooth bund adorned with a narrow white ribbon and a metal hairpin, a few loose wisps framing her face. A fine composition with rich color enhanced by the areas of black.

Publisher - Watanabe, with "Watanabe ko" seal at center left
Sealed - Signed "Shunsen" with red "kajicho" 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 detail as shown. Light toning. Print is mounted to folder at corners with hinge mounts, bottom mounts loose, could be removed. Nice overall. Folder: Slight toning and spotting, soiling, creasing at edges. Please see photos for details.

Onoe Eizaburo as Okaru, 1926 by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)
Onoe Eizaburo as Okaru, 1926 by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

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