Suketakaya Takasuke IV as Inuzuka Shino, 1883

by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Current Status

Suketakaya Takasuke IV as Inuzuka Shino, 1883 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Original Kunichika (1835 - 1900) Japanese Woodblock Print
Suketakaya Takasuke IV as Inuzuka Shino, 1883

Series; A Parody of the Hakkenden

A Parody of the Hakkenden - Kunichika's series "A Parody of the Hakkenden" presents kabuki actors as the Eight Dog Heroes from the epic novel "The Biography of Nanso Satomi and the Eight Dog Heroes" (Nanso Satomi Hakkenden). These great samurai were the mystical offspring of Fusehime, the daughter of Lord Anzai of the Satomi Clan, and a dog. The brothers were raised by different families and did not meet until later during their many adventures. These bold images feature warriors in dramatic action scenes with striking compositions, each with a scalloped-shaped inset at the top depicting a location for the scene. They are beautifully detailed with fine line work in the hair and bokashi shading in the background, and many include deluxe treatments such as burnishing, embossing, metallic pigments, or a dusting of mica. These dynamic designs are a great choice for a collector interested in the samurai tradition, and are rarely seen on the market.

Special detail - Embossing in the blue kimono trim and the narrow white sash tying the sleeves back, , silver metallic pigment on the sword and kimono that has oxidized to a gray tone, and a dusting of mica along the edge of the shachihoko roof ornament. A shachihoko is a mythical animal with the head of a tiger and the body of a carp.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 9 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight thinning on reverse at top corners from previous mounting. Small hole, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases and stains. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Suketakaya Takasuke IV as Inuzuka Shino, 1883 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)
Suketakaya Takasuke IV as Inuzuka Shino, 1883 by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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