Kabuki Portraits by Tsuruya Kokei - Fantastic modern kabuki portrait by the contemporary artist Tsuruya Kokei. His bold images follow in the ukiyo-e tradition of okubi-e or "large head" portraits, featuring stylized close-ups of actors' faces and hands, focusing on intense emotions. Kokei frequently uses a monochromatic, black, white, and gray color scheme, conveying a range of textures and shades through intricate carving and the strong use of wood grain impression. Other prints include the use of mica, or metallic gold or silver powders, adding richness. His expressive, exaggerated characters give an impression of vitality and immediacy with a contemporary twist, creating striking and memorable portraits. Kokei stopped designing prints in 2000, completing his 200th print in the bust portrait series that year.

Each design is self-carved and printed by the artist on very thin, almost translucent Japanese ganpi paper. This delicate paper presents technical difficulties, showcasing Kokei's incredible mastery of the woodblock printing process. These limited editions are hand numbered in black ink on top of the artist's red seal. After completing each addition, Kokei destroyed the blocks, ensuring that no additional prints could be made. His powerful creations are a terrific choice for a kabuki enthusiast or sosaku hanga collector.

Comments - Charming portrait of a beauty kneeling before a mirror atop a low dressing table. She turns her face away as she pats the side of her neck with a blue and white towel. She wears a red tie-dyed kimono with an intricate design of waterwheels and stylized waves, with a green basket weave patterned collar, tied with a brown and black triangle print obi. A classic shin-hanga beauty design, nicely detailed, with silver mica on the handles of the dressing table.

Signed - Hakuho, with red artist's seal "Haku"
Publisher - Watanabe

Artist - Hirano Hakuho (1879 - 1957)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 10" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Drying hole at top left corner. Slight toning, a few creases, a few stains. Please see photos for details. Good overall.