Yoshikawa Kanpo - Born in Kyoto, Yoshikawa Kanpo created a small number of woodblock prints for the publisher Sato Shotaro around 1922 to 1924. Notably, he was one of the first Kyoto artists to design shin hanga actor prints, and his beautiful images featuring muted tones and more rounded features reflect the "wagoto" style of kabuki acting popular in the Kamigata region. In contrast to the rough "aragato" style popular in Tokyo, the "wagoto" style favored in Kyoto and Osaka was more refined and gentle. Kanpo produced only a very limited number of prints until 1925, after which he created only paintings on commission. His perceptive, sensitive kabuki portraits are quite rare and highly sought after. A great choice for a kabuki enthusiast or shin hanga collector.

Comments - Terrific portrait of Jitsukawa Enjaku in the role of Igami No Gonta in the popular kabuki play "Yoshitune Senbon Zakura." He stares ahead with a glum expression, lips firmly pressed together, his chin shadowed with blue stubble from his beard. His hair is pulled back into a rather sloppy knot at the side of his head, and he wears a simply checked blue and gray kimono. Beautifully detailed with soft shading around the eyes and a silver mica background. This subject was part of the groundbreaking exhibit of modern Japanese woodblocks at the Toledo Museum of Art in 1930. A terrific, rare design from a limited edition of 200, with numbered seal on reverse.

Signature - Kanpo
Publisher - Sato Shotaro, with rectangular seal "Sato Sho Han" beneath signature
Numbered - Limited edition of 200 with seal on reverse, numbered 29

Artist - Yoshikawa Kanpo (1894 - 1979)

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 10 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two attached panels. Slight toning, a few spots, a few light creases at top edge, small mark, remnants of paper label on reverse at lower left. Please see photos for details. Good overall.