Toyokuni I's Kabuki Portraits - The great ukiyo-e master Toyokuni I is best known for his expressive kabuki designs. His portraits were part of a new trend in creating actor images that more closely resembled the real actor as seen on stage, rather than the idealized portraits that predominated the genre earlier. Toyokuni I dominated the field of actor portraits for nearly three decades, creating bold, dynamic images in his own recognizable style.

Comments - Great scene from the kabuki play "Kiyomori Eiga no Utena" featuring Ichikawa Danjuro VII as the great warrior Kiyomori Shoroku Taira. He stands in the center, scowling angrily at the shirabyoshi dancer kneeling on the floor at left. He wears a fantastic black coat patterned with a dragon and clouds over a print kimono tucked into long pants with circular green floral motifs, the fabric trailing beneath his feet. The beauty at right watches him with a rather crazed grin as she holds out a tray with two vases on it. The room opens onto a garden with blossoming plum trees, a rolled up reed blind overhead. A handsome design with expressive figures and an attractive setting.

Artist - Toyokuni I (1769 - 1825)

Image Size - 14 3/4" x 30 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few small repairs, creasing throughout, slight paper remnants at sides. Please see photos for details.