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.

Arashi Hinasuke VII as Yuzen Asakichi, 1863 - Handsome kabuki portrait of Arashi Hinasuke VII as Yuzen Asakichi, looking over his shoulder with an expression of misery, his brows furrowed. He wears an embossed red vest over a floral brocade robe and a black shirt patterned with yellow lightning bolts. Against his shoulder rests a shakujou, a staff with a ringed finial typically carried by Buddhist priests and pilgrims. His hair is growing out atop his head, the rest pulled back into a ponytail. An interesting, expressive figure, nicely detailed with fine line work in the hair.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 9 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Small tape remnants on reverse at top corners from previous mounting. Small V-shaped tear, repaired. Toning, a couple stains. Please see photos for details. Good overall.