Nakamura Jakuemon III as Oshichi, 1927 - Intriguing portrait of Nakamura Jakuemon III as Yaoya Oshichi, a tragic young beauty who is sentenced to death after starting a large fire. The scene depicts "ningyoburi," a style of acting imitating the exaggerated motions of puppets. Two shadowy assistants dressed from head to toe in black act as puppeteers, giving the illusion of manipulating the performer. Oshichi wears a beautiful kimono striped in soft violet, dark and light blue, and white, her long sleeves and colorful tie-dyed obi flowing around her as she moves. Beautifully detailed with swirling baren marks in the light gray background and soft pink shading on her face. This fantastic design is from Shunsen's "Creative Prints, Collected Portraits of Shunsen," originally published by Watanabe in a limited edition of only 150 prints. This print, however, does not bear the "Watanabe ko" seal typcially seen on these prints, and the oval red artist seal at left does not correspond to any typically used by Shunsen. There is a faint "Made in Japan" seal on the reverse. We have seen this subject before with no seals at all. So, we are not sure if this is some sort of later edition lacking the seals, or a possibly a reprint. It's a mystery!

Publisher - Unknown
Sealed - Signed "Shunsen" with red "Shunsen" seal in subject, red seal at left not read

Artist - Natori Shunsen (1886 - 1960)

Image Size - 14 3/4" x 10" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight toning, a few creases and small spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall.