Memorial Portrait of Ichikawa Danjuro VIII, Aged Thirty-two, 1854

by Edo era artist (unsigned)

Current Status

Memorial Portrait of Ichikawa Danjuro VIII, Aged Thirty-two, 1854 by Edo era artist (unsigned)

Original Edo era Japanese Woodblock Print
Memorial Portrait of Ichikawa Danjuro VIII, Aged Thirty-two, 1854

Shini-e - Literally meaning "death prints," shini-e are a category of Japanese woodblock commemorating the death of a famous kabuki actor, or less commonly, an artist or musician. These memorial portraits often depict the actor dressed in light blue death robes, or portraying a famous role associated with the individual. Some include verses or death poems along with the actor's age and date of death, or a posthumous Buddhist name. Other conventional iconography includes lotus blossoms or petals, incense burners, and prayer beads. The tragic suicide of Ichikawa Danjuro VIII in 1854 at the age of thirty-two resulted in nearly 200 shini-e of the actor. Some shini-e are recycled from earlier kabuki prints with the background blocks recut so they could be rushed into production. Most shini-e are unsigned, although some include the artist's signature. These designs are an interesting area of collecting.

Artist - Edo era artist (unsigned)

Image Size - 13 3/8" x 9 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Small losses at corners, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases and small marks. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Memorial Portrait of Ichikawa Danjuro VIII, Aged Thirty-two, 1854 by Edo era artist (unsigned)
Memorial Portrait of Ichikawa Danjuro VIII, Aged Thirty-two, 1854 by Edo era artist (unsigned)

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