Untitled series of actors as firemen - Terrific portrait from Kunichika's untitled 1874 series depicting kabuki actors as firemen. Each holds a brigade standard with long fringed called a matoi, which would be carried up to a roof near the fire and waved to call the attention of the other firefighters. Each man wears a heavy quilted firemen's jacket with a bold pattern over a black undergarment, and has an upper body tattoo. Their hair is cropped short in the modern Meiji style, often tied back with a sash. These bold designs are beautifully composed and detailed, the figures set off by a red background. A striking series.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 9 5/8" + left margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Very slight paper remnants on reverse from previous backing. Slight thinning at edges, a couple small holes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases, pencil (?) lines near top and bottom edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.