Ichikawa Danjuro VI

by Kunimasa (1773 - 1810)

Current Status

Ichikawa Danjuro VI by Kunimasa (1773 - 1810)

Kunimasa (1773 - 1810) Japanese Woodblock Reprint
Ichikawa Danjuro VI

Comments - Terrific okubi-e or large head portrait of the great kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro VI, who tragically died at a young age. He stares ahead with a surprised grimace, a few loose hairs framing his face and giving him a somewhat disheveled appearance. He wears a simple blue and white cotton kimono patterned with the crest of the Ichikawa Danjuro line of actors, clutching the ends of a tie-dyed towel draped around his neck. Beautiful embossed detail in the fabrics. A great expressive figure.

Woodblock reprints - In the 20th century, artists and publishers collaborated to recreate famous woodblock prints for interested Japanese collectors and Westerners looking for rare designs. New blocks were made, and the prints were painstakingly printed by artisan printers in the same method as the 19th century originals - one block for each color. Woodblock reprints were an opportunity to collect and enjoy a famous design at a small fraction of the price of an original. They still are today.

Artist - Kunimasa (1773 - 1810)

Image Size - 14 7/8" x 10 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. A few tears at edges, repaired. Toning, a few creases. Please see photos for details.

Ichikawa Danjuro VI by Kunimasa (1773 - 1810)
Ichikawa Danjuro VI by Kunimasa (1773 - 1810)