Nakamura Kichiemon I as Arajishi Otokonosuke, 1931 - Intense portrait of Nakamura Kichiemon I as Arajishi Otokonosuke, the faithful retainer charged with protecting the young heir to the Date clan in the kabuki play "Meiboku Sendai Hagi." In the "Yukashita" (Below the Floor) scene, Otonosuke has been banished from the young lord's room, but has taken up guard below his room, where he encounters a rat stealing an important scroll. The rat is actually the evil magician Nikko Danjo, who has transformed himself to take the document. Otonosuke immediately strikes the beast with his knife, but despite his actions, the animal gets away. He stares ahead with a grim, determined frown, his lips tightly pressed together, the blade of his weapon visible at lower right. His hair is swept out at the sides, adding to the imposing effect of his red and black stage makeup. He wears a colorful brocade robe with patterned with large flowers against a geometric background, trimmed with a green collar and worn over a red under robe. A fantastic image of this loyal servant. This image comes from a series of fifteen prints supplementing Shunsen's slightly earlier series of "Creative Prints, Collected Portraits of Shunsen."

Publisher - Watanabe, with Watanabe-ko seal within image at center right
Signed - Shunsen with red "Shunsen" seal in subject

Artist - Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Image Size - 14 7/8" x 10" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Faint toning, a couple light crease as edges. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall.