Nakamura Kichiemon I as Arajishi Otokonosuke, 1931

by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

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Nakamura Kichiemon I as Arajishi Otokonosuke, 1931 by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Original Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960) Japanese Woodblock Print
Nakamura Kichiemon I as Arajishi Otokonosuke, 1931

Series; Supplement to Creative Prints, Collected Portraits of Shunsen
Opening at only $89

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 "Ashikaga-ke yukashita" scene, Otokonosuke 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. Otokonosuke 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 the Supplement to Shunsen's series "Creative Prints, Collected Portraits of Shunsen."

Publisher - Watanabe, with "Watanabe ko" seal at center right in subject
Signed - Shunsen, with red artist's 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 creases at edges. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall.

Nakamura Kichiemon I as Arajishi Otokonosuke, 1931 by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)
Nakamura Kichiemon I as Arajishi Otokonosuke, 1931 by Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

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