Nakamura Kaisha as Okaru in Yoigoshin, 1928

by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Current Status

Nakamura Kaisha as Okaru in Yoigoshin, 1928 by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Original Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960) Japanese Woodblock Print
Nakamura Kaisha as Okaru in Yoigoshin, 1928

Series; Creative Prints, Collected Portraits of Shunsen

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!

Nakamura Kaisha as Okaru in Yoigoshin, 1928 - Terrific portrait of Nakamura Kaisha as Okaru in the kabuki play "Yoigoshin." The beauty has become suspicious of her brother-in-law, Hanbei, thinking that he has divorced her sister. She watches him out of the corners of her eyes, a wary expression on her face that seems to embody a simmering resentment. She wears a dark green kimono with a blue and tan geometric motif over an under robe with a striped violet collar with lavender zigzags. Her hair is neatly pulled back into a bun, adorned with a decorative comb and single hairpin. The swirling baren marks of the background create a subtle texture enlivening the image. A handsome image with fine bokashi shading around the eyes and fine line work in the hair.

Publisher - Watanabe, with embossed "Watanabe ko" seal at lower right
Sealed - Signed Shunsen, with artist's red oval stamp of approval at lower right corner

Artist - Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Image Size - 15" x 10 1/8" + margins as shown; folder 17" x 12"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Print is loose within folder. Drying hole at top left corner. Slight toning, a few small spots. Nice overall. Folder: Slight toning and soiling, a few spots and rubbed areas, creasing at edges. Please see photos for details.

Nakamura Kaisha as Okaru in Yoigoshin, 1928 by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)
Nakamura Kaisha as Okaru in Yoigoshin, 1928 by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)