One Hundred Roles of Baiko - In 1893, Kunichika was commissioned to create the series "One Hundred Roles of Baiko," chronicling the diverse characters played by the famous actor Onoe Kikugoro V, whose pen name was "Baiko." These fantastic prints feature a large portrait of Kikugoro V in one of his major roles, along with a small scene showing a supporting actor from the same play. These exquisite images were printed to the highest standards, using expensive techniques and materials such as burnishing, embossing, and mica. Beautifully drawn and composed, each print demonstrates Kunichika's skill in creating expressive characters, bringing each role to life on the page. A great choice for a kabuki enthusiast or Kunichika collector.

Chinese Hero Kan'u - Fantastic portrait of Baiko as the fierce Chinese warrior Kan'u from the drama "Kan'u," one of the "Eighteen Plays" made famous by the Ichikawa Danjuro line of actors. In this scene, the samurai Shigetada disguises himself as Kan'u to uncover the treachery of his fellow samurai. He wears an exotic foreign costume covered with dragons and carried a spiked iron club. The inset above shows the two fellow Chinese heroes from the tale of the Three Kingdoms, gathered around a table laden with refreshments. A great dramatic image, beautifully colored and detailed, with fine line work in the hair and burnishing in the iron club.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight paper remnants on reverse from previous hinge mounting. A few small spots. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.