Comments - Handsome double portrait from Act III, Scene 2 of the classic kabuki drama "Sugawara denju tenarai kagami." Nakamura Noshio II appears as the young samurai Sakuramaru, looking down at his wife with a sorrowful expression. One hand rests atop the hilt of his sword, and loose wisps of hair frame his face, giving him a somewhat disheveled appearance. Iwai Kumesaburo plays Yae, leaning forward with an eager smile, her arms folded across her chest. Nicely detailed with bold calligraphic line work in the clothing, and a distressed mica background.

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 - Toyokuni I (1769 - 1825)

Image Size - 15 1/4" x 10"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Toning, slight creasing. Please see photos for details.