Ichikawa Sadanji III as Yoshiro in the Dance Modori Kago, 1954 - Handsome kabuki portrait of Ichikawa Sadanji III as the palanquin bearer Yoshiro in the dance drama "Modori Kago." In reality, he is the general Mashiba Hisayoshi, in disguise as he pursues the famous bandit Ishikawa Goemon, who turns out to be his fellow bearer, also in disguise. His noble bearing and dignified expression belies his true nature and refinement, which comes through even in his lowly job as a kago or palanquin bearer. He looks ahead with a solemn expression, his lips firmly pressed together and chin tilted slightly up, holding the ends of a wooden pole. He wears a blue outer robe over a red kimono patterned with large crests, and blue arm protectors. A blue cloth is wrapped about his head, with a white sash tied over it. A fine, quiet expressive image enhanced with a shimmering mica background.

Publisher - Watanabe, with 6 mm seal at left within image
Sealed - Signed "Shunsen," with red artist's square seal

Artist - Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Image Size - 14 5/8" x 9 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Faint toning at edges, a few small spots. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.