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.

Sawamura Tossho as the Monk Karukaya Doshin, circa 1833 - Handsome kabuki portrait of Sawamura Tossho as the monk Karukaya Doshin, a former nobleman who became a monk to escape his jealous wife. His young son came looking for him, and Doshin initially refused to admit he was the child's father, but he finally relented. An expressive figure from an untitled series presenting actors as reflected in black lacquer mirrors with various pieces of cloth draped over the frames.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 15 1/4" x 9 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Slight soiling, a few lightly rubbed spots. Please see photos for details.