A Modern Suikoden - Handsome design from Toyokuni III's late kabuki series "A Modern Suikoden." The series title refers to the classic Chinese novel "The Water Margin" or "Suikoden" in Japanese, the story of a group of 108 rebels living at the edge of Liangshan Marsh who helped to protect the poor and oppressed. In this updated take on the book, kabuki actors in character stand in for the original rebels. The expressive half-length portraits are nicely detailed, with text filling the background above. Many of the actors wear striking kimono with unusual designs. A fine series by Toyokuni III.

Sawamura Tanosuke III as Namigata Monya, 1862 - Handsome scene of Sawamura Tanosuke III in the role of Namigata Monya. The young man stares wide-eyed at a sword coming at his from the lower left. His concentration fixed on the blade, he grips one of his swords by the sheath and the other by the hilt, ready to draw if necessary. He wears a solid black kimono over a red under robe, which features a delicate embossed texture, and has a light blue cloth tied about his neck. A nice expressive figure with a handsome composition, also in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

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

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Remnant of paper hinge mounts on reverse at top corners. Toning, slight soiling, a few light creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.